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UNIVERSAL.  H1STOB.Y 


OF    THE 


UNITED  STATES 


or 


AMERICA. 

EMBRACING    THE    WHOLE    PERIOD    FROM    THK 

EARLIEST    DISCOVERY 

DOW>'    TO    THE    PRESENT    TIME 

I\i  T\\iee  Parts. 

BY    A    CITIZEN   OF   THE    UNITED   STATES 


HARTFORD. 
PUBLISHED  BY  EZRA  STRONG 


MDCCCXXVin, 


DISTRICT  OF  CONNECTICUT,  ss. 

^>:;::o-:::x:  :•:;::•::.£  -BE  IT  REMEMBERED,   That  on  the 
x  fourth  day  of  September,   in  the  Jifty  third 
L     g.       A  year  of  the  Independence  of  the  United  States 
0   of  America,   Ezra  Strong,  of  the  said   Dis- 
}.(  trict,  hath  deposited  in  this  office  the  title  of  a 
ifo:-:::-::::-::::-::::-::::-::^  book,  the  right  whereof  he  claims  as  Propri 
etor  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  :   '•'•A    Universal   History  of 
the  United  States  of  America,  embracing  the  whole  period  from 
the  earliest  discovery  down  to  the  present  time.     In  three  parts. 
By  a  citizen  of  the  United  States.     In  conformity  to  the   act  of 
Congress  of  the  United  States,  entitled,  "  An  act  for  the  encour 
agement  of  learning,  by  securing  the  copies  of  Maps,  Charts  and 
Books,  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such   copies,  during  the 
times  therein  mentioned.  ' — And  also  to  the  act,   entitled,   "  An 
act  supplementary  to  an  act,  entitled  '  An  act  for  the  encourage 
ment  of  learning ,  by  securing  the  copies  of  maps,  charts,   and 
books,  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such  copies  during  the 
times  therein  mentioned,'  and  extending  the  benefits  thereof  to  the 
arts  of  designing,  engraving,  and  etching  historical  and  other 
prints." 

CHARLES  A.  INGERSOLL, 

Clerk  of  the  District  of  Connecticut. 
A  true  copy  of  Record,  examined  and  sealed  by  me, 
CHARLES  A.  INGERSOLL; 

Clerk  of  the  District  of  Connecticut; 


PREFACE. 

THE  writers  of  the  following  pages  have  used  their  best 
endeavours  to  present  for  public  patronage,  a  correct  and 
interesting  narrative  of  the  most  important  events  which 
have  transpired  in  our  country.  Their  design  is  to  ex 
hibit,  in  a  strong  point  of  light,  those  principles  of  political 
and  religious  freedom,  for  which  our  progenitors  fought, 
bled,  and  conquered.  While  we  behold  them  braving  the 
gloomy  horrors  of  the  desert,  the  appalling  terrors  of  untu 
tored  savages,  the  distresses  of  famine  and  war,  we  admire 
their  constancy,  courage  and  perseverance,  and  rejoice  in 
their  escape  from  danger.  While  we  contemplate  the  ob 
stacles  surmounted,  the  hardships  endured,  and  the  un 
shrinking  firmness  of  purpose  which  turned  a  wilderness 
into  fruitful  fields,  established  a  government  of  laws,  and 
provided  an  asylum  for  the  oppressed  of  all  nations,  we  are 
lost  in  wonder  and  astonishment. 

Feeling  the  value  of  those  blessings  which  have  descend 
ed  to  the  posterity  of  the  Pilgrims,  the  writers  have  en 
deavoured  to  contribute  their  mite  for  the  benefit  of  the 
risen  and  rising  generation.  The  work  is  designed  for  a 
family  and  school  book,  intended  as  a  substitute  for  those 
more  voluminous  works  which  find  their  way  to  the  few 
only,  whose  time  and  resources  are  sufficient  to  afford  them. 
This,  though  in  a  condensed  form,  will  be  found  to  con 
tain  a  considerable  fund  of  information,  avd  if  well  studied, 
will  impress  more  strongly  on  the  minds,  the  important 
points  in  our  general  history,  than  a  more  laborious  and 
minute  detail.  The  size  of  the  type  on  which  the  volume 
is  printed,  has  enabled  them  to  present  much  more  matter 
than  was  originally  contemplated,  and  to  give  the  amount 
of  a  common  octavo  volume,  at  a  reduced  price.  Such 
are  the  advantages  of  history,  and  such  its  absolute  neces 
sity  in  a  republican  form  of  government,  that  no  parent 
should  be  satisfied,  until  his  family  is  supplied,  and  his  chil 
dren  taught  to  lisp  the  name  of  our  great,  our  heroic 
Washington.  - 


PREFACE. 

That  the  work  might  be  more  particularly  interesting, 
especially  to  the  young,  certain  events  and  personal  anec 
dotes  of  the  revolution  are  given  in  a  separate  chapter,  that 
the  thread  of  the  history  might  not  be  interrupted.  Of 
these,  the  number  is  greater  than  is  to  be  found  in  any 
other  similar  work.  These  are  of  a  character  truly  inter 
esting,  and  numbers  of  them  affecting.  Feats  of  the  most 
heroic  courage,  and  the  most  consummate  tact,  are  related 
on  unquestionable  authority ;  and  the  more  retired,  but 
highly  amiable  traits  of  character  are  displayed 

The  comparative  population,  wealth,  resources,  and  pro 
gressive  improvement  in  the  several  states  and  territories, 
will  be  found  particularly  useful  to  those  who  may  design 
to  change  their  places  of  abode,  and  it  is  fully  believed, 
that  as  a  family  book,  on  this  subject,  it  has  a  claim  to  the 
most  liberal  patronage. 


The  publisher  is  well  aware  of  the  objections  which  are  made 
to  an  anonymous  work.  This  work  was  prepared  by  several 
hands,  capable  of  the  undertaking1,  and  to  avoid  the  necessity  of 
giving  credit  to  several  names,  it  was  thought  best  to  state  the 
whole  under  the  general  title  of  A  Citizen  of  the  United  States, 
which  circumstances  will  be  considered  as  a  sufficient  apology. 


CHAPTER  I. 


DISCOVERIES 

Christopher  Columbus,  who  was  destined  (o  the  high  honour 
uf  revealing  a  new  hemisphere  to  the  Europeans,  was  by  birth 
a  Genoese,  who  had  early  trained  himself  to  a  seafaring  life, 
and,  having  acquired  every  branch  of  knowledge  connected  with 
that  profession,  was  no  less  distinguished  by  his  skill  and  abili 
ties,  than  for  his  intrepid  and  persevering  spirit.  This  man 
when  afrout  forty  \  ears  of  age,  had  formed  the  great  idea  ot 
reaching  the  East  Indies  by  sailing  westward  ;  but,  as  his  for 
tune  was  very  small,  and  the  attempt  required  effectual  patron 
age,  desirous  that  uis  native  country  should  profit  by  his  suc 
cess,  he  laid  his  plan  before  the  senate  of  Genoa  ;  but  the 
scheme  appeared  chimerical,  it  was  rejected.  He  then  repair 
ed  to  the  court  of  Portugal  :  and  although  ihe  Portuguese  were 
at  that  time  distinguished  for  their  commercial  spirit,  and  John 
II.  who  then  reigned,  was  a  discerning1  and  enterprising  prince. 
yet  the  prejudice?  of  the  great  men  in  his  court,  to  whom  the 
matter  was  referred,  caused  Columbus  finally  to  fail  in  his  at 
tempt  there  also,  lie  next  applied  to  Ferdinand  and  Isabella, 
king  and  queen  of  Arragon  and  Castile,  and  at  the  same  time 
^ent  his  brother  Bartholomew  (who  followed  tho  same  profes 
sion,  and  who  was  well  qualified  to  fill  the  immediate  place  under 
such  a  leader)  to  England,  to  lay  the  proposals  before  Henry 
VII.  which  likewise,  very  fortunately  for  the  future  well  being 
of  the  country,  met  with  no  success.  Many  were  the  years  which 
Christopher  Columbus  spent  in  ineffectual  attendance  at  the 
Castilian  court;  the  impoverished  state  into  which  the  finances 
of  the  united  kingdom  were  reduced,  the  war  with  Grenada, 
repressing  every  disposition  to  attempt  too  great  designs. 
But  the  war  being  at  length  terminated,  the  powerful  mind  of 
Isabella  broke  through  all  obstructions  ;  she  declared  herself 
the  patroness  of  Columbus,  while  her  husband  Ferdinand,  de 
clining  to  partake  as  an  adventurer,  in  the  voyage,  only  gave  it 
the  sanction  of  his  name.  Thus  did  the  superior  genius  of 
woman  effect  the  discovery  of  one  half  of  the  globe  ! 

The  ships  sent  out  on  this  important  search  were  only   three 
in  number,  two  of  them  very  small :  with  ninety  men,  victualed 


6     ,v>  ;0.;  DISCOVERIES. 

for  ayeai's  voyage.  Although  .the  expense  of  the  expedition  hau 
long  temftine'd^the  ssoTs  obstacle  to  this  undertaking,  yet,  when 
ey«ry  tiling  \jras  prcvidecf, -iho  cost  did  not  amount  to  more  than 
sixteen  thousand  five  hundred  dollars,  for  which  purpose  the 
queen  disposed  of  her  jewels  to  raise  the  amount. 

Columbus  set  sail  from  port  Palos  in  the  province  of  AudalU* 
sia,  on  the  3d  of  August,  1492  :  He  proceeded  to  the  Canary 
Islands,  and  thence  directed  his  course  due  west,  in  the  latitude 
of  about  28  N.  In  this  course  he  continued  for  two  months, 
without  falling  in  with  any  land,  which  caused  such  a  spirit  of 
discontent  and  mutiny  to  arise,  as  the  superior  address  and 
management  of  the  commander  became  unequal  to  suppress,  al 
though  for  those  qualities  he  was  eminently  distinguished.  He 
was  at  length,  reduced  to  the  necessity  of  entering  into  a  solemn 
engagement,  to  abandon  the  enterprise  and  return  home,  if  land 
was  not  discovered  in  three  days.  Probably  he  would  not  have 
been  able  to  retain  his  men  so  long  from  acts  of  violence  and 
outrage,  in  pursuing  so  untried  and  dreary  a  course,  had  they 
not  been  sensible  that  their  safety  in  returning  home,  depended 
very  much  on  his  skill  as  a  navigator,  in  conducting  the  vessel. 

About  midnight  of  the  llth  of  October,  1492, 'the  cry  was 
land,  land,  which  proved  to  be  one  of  the  Bahama  islands,  which 
Columbus  named  San  Salvadore  ;  it  was  only  3  deg.  30  min.  lat. 
to  the  south,  of  the  island  of  Gomora,  one  of  the  Canaries, 
whence  he  took  his  departure.  This  navigator  was  still  so  con 
fident  in  the  opinion  ho  had  formed  before  he  undertook  the 
voyage,  that  he  believed  himself  then  to  be  on  an  islaud  which 
was  situated  adjacent  to  the  Indies.  Proceeding  towards  the 
S.  he  saw  three  olhur  islands  which  he  named  St.  Mary,  Ferdi 
nand,  and  Isabella.  At  length  he  arrived  at  a  very  large  island, 
and  as  he  had  taken  seven  of  the  natives  of  San  Salvadore  on 
board,  he  learned  from  them  that  its  name  was  called  Cuba, 
bnt  he  gave  it  the  name  of  Juanna.  He  next  proceeded  to  an 
island  which  he  called  Espagnola,  in  honour  of  the  kingdom 
by  which  he  was  employed,  and  it  still  bears  the  name  of  His- 
paniola. 

Here  he  built  a  fort,  and  formed  a  small  settlement  ;  he  then 
returned  home,  having  on  board  some  of  the  natives  whom  he 
had  taken  from  the  different  islands,  on  the  passage.  He  was 
overtaken  by  a  storm  which  had  nearly  proved  fatal.  During 
the  storm,  Columbus  hastily  enclosed  in  a  cake  of  wax,  a  short 
account  of  his  voyage  and  discovery,  which  he  hoped,  should 
he  perish,  might  fall  into  the  hands  of  some  navigator  ;  or  be 
cast  ashore,  and  thus  the  knowledge  of  his  discovery  be  preser 
ved  to  the  world.  But  the  storm  abated,  and  he  arrived  safe  in 
Spain,  March  15th,  1493,  having  been  seven  months  and  eleven 
days  on  this  most  important  voyage. 


DISCOVERIES.  7 

On  his  arrival,  letters  patent  were  issued  by  the  king  and 
queen,  confirming  to  Columbus  and  to  his  heirs,  all  the  privi 
leges  contained  in  an  agreement  which  had  been  enacted  be 
fore  bis  departure. 

Not  only  the  Spaniards,  but  the  other  nations  of  Europe, 
seem  to  have  adopted  the  opinion  of  Columbus,  in  considering 
the  countries  which  he  had  discovered  as  a  part  of  India. 
Whence  Ferdinand  and  Isabella  gave  them  the  name  "  Indies" 
in  the  ratification  of  their  former  agreement  with  Columbus, 
even  after  the  error  waj-  detected,  the  name  was  retained,  and 
the  appellation  of  *•  West  Indies."  Nothing  could  possibly 
tend  more  effectually  to  rouse  P very  active  principle  of  human 
nature,  than  the  discoveries  which  Columbus  had  made  ;  no 
time  was  lost  or  expense  ^pared,  in  preparing  a  fleet  of  ships, 
with  which  this  great  man  should  revisit  the  countries  he  had 
made  known.  Seventeen  ships  were  made  ready  in  six  months, 
and  6fteen  hundred  persons  embarked  on  board  of  them,  among1 
whom  were  many  noble  families,  who  had  filled  honorable  sta 
tions.  Ferdinand,  now  desirous  of  securing  the  benefits  of 
these  discoveries,  applied  to  the  Pope  to  be  invested  with  a 
right  in  their  newly  discovered  country,  as  well  as  to  all  future 
discoveries  in  that  direction  ;  but  as  it  was  necessary  that  there 
should  be  some  favor  of  religion  in  the  business,  he  founded  his 
plea  on  a  desire  of  converting  the  savage  natives  to  the  Romisu 
faith,  which  plan  had  its  desired  effect. 

Alexander  VII,  who  then  filled  the  papal  chair,  it  ought  to  be 
mentioned,  was  the  most  profligate  and  abandoned  of  men,  being  a, 
native  of  Arragon,and  desirous  of  conciliating  the  favor  of  Fer 
dinand,  for  the  puruose  of  aggrandising  his  family,  he  readily 
granted  his  request;  which,  ai  no  expence  or  risk  tended  to  ex 
tend  the  consequence  and  authority  of  the  papacy  :  he  therefore 
bestowed  on  Ferdinand  and  Isabella  all  the  countries  inhabited 
by  infidels,  which  they  had  discovered.  But  as  it  was  necessary 
to  prevent  this  grant  from  interfering  with  <>ne  not  'ong  before 
made  to  the  crown  of  Portugal,  he  appointed  that  a  line  suppo 
sed  to  be  drawn  from  pole  to  pole,  one  hundred  leagues  to  the 
westward  of  the  Azores  should  serve  as  a  limit  between  them  : 
and  in  the  plenitude  of  his  power,  conferred  all  to  the  east  of 
this  imaginary  line  upon  th«  Portuguese,  and  all  to  the  west  of 
it  upon  the  Spaniards. 

Columbus  sailed  from  the  port  of  Cadiz,  on  the  25th  of  Sep 
tember,  1493.  When  he  arrived  at  Espagniola,  he  had  the  af 
fliction  to  find  that  all  the  Spaniards  whom  he  had  left  there, 
amounting  to  thirty-six  in  number,  had  been  put  to  death  by  the 
natives  in  revenge  for  the  insults  and  outrage  which  they  had 
commit  ted.  After  tracing  out  the  plan  of  a  town  in  a  large  plain 
near  a  spacious  bay,  and  giving  it  the  name  of  Isabella,  in  honor 


DISCOVERIES. 

of  his  patroness,  the  queen  of  Castile,  and  appointed  his  brother 
to  preside  as  deputy  Governor  in  his  absence  ;  Columbus,  on 
the  24th  of  April,  1494,  sailed  with  one  ship  and  two  small  barke, 
to  make  further  discoveries  in  those  seas.  In  this  voyage  he  was 
cmyloyed  five  months,  and  fell  in  with  many  small  islands  on  the 
coast  of  Cuba,  but  none  of  any  importance  except  the  island  of 
Jamaica. 

Soon  after  his  return  to  Hispaniola,  he  resolved  to  make  war 
with  the  Indians,  who  amounted  to  100,000  rnet),  then  having 
experienced  every  lawless  act  of  violence  from  their  invaders-, 
were  rendered  extremely  inveterate,  and  thirsting  for  revenge, 
a  disposition  which  appears  to  have  been  foreign  to  their  natures. 
Having  collected  his  whole  force,  he  attacked  them  by  night, 
whilst  they  were  assembled  on  a  wide  plain,  and  obtained  a  most 
decisive  victory,  without  the  loss  of  a  single  man  on  his  part. 
Besides  the  effect  of. cannon  and  fire  arms,  the  noise  of  which 
was  appalling,  a,nd  their  effect  against  a  numerous  body  of  Indi 
ans,  closely  drawn  together,  was  in  the  highest  degree  destruc 
tive.  Columbus  had  brought  over  with  him  a  small  body  of  ca 
valry.  The  Indians  who  had  never  before  seen  such  a  creature, 
imagined  the  Spanish  horses  to  be  rational  beings,  and  that  each 
with  its  rider  formed  but  one  animal  ;  they  were  astonished  at 
their  speed,  and  considered  their  impetuosity  and  strength  as  ir 
resistible.  Besides  these  they  had  another  formidable  enemy 
f  o  terrify  and  destroy  them  :  a  great  number  of  the  largest  and 
fiercest  species  of  dogs  which  were  bred  in  Europe,  and  had 
i»een  brought  hither,  which  being  set  on  by  their  weapons,  with 
out  attempting  resistance,  the  Indians  fled  with  all  the  speed 
which  terror  could  excite.  Numbers  were  slain  and  many  made 
prisoners,  who  were  immediately  consigned  to  slavery. 

At  the  departure  of  Columbus  from  Spain,  he  was  appointed 
(jovernor  of  the  New  World  ;  but  by  false  representations  from 
his  enemies*,  the  king  was  persuaded  to  appoint  another  in  his 
place.  The  king  also  gave  orders  that  Columbus  should  be 
seized  and  sent  to  Spain  ;  this  was  executed,  and  the  heroic  Co- 
iumbus  returned  to  Spain  in  irons.  He  was  set  at  liberty  by 
the  king  on  his  arrival,  but  never  recovered  his-authority,  after 
his  return  from  his  fourth  voyage,  and  finding  Isabella,  his  pa 
troness  dead,  he  sunk  beneath  his  misfortunes,  and  died  May 
20th,  1506,  in  the  fifty-ninth  year  of  his  age. 

In  1497,  John  Cabot  and  his  son,  commenced  a  voyage  of  dis 
covery,  and  on  the  24th  of  June  discovered  the  island  of  New 
foundland,  which  they  gave  the  name  of  Prima  Vesta.  Leaving 
ihis  they  fell  in  with  a  small  island  which  they  called  St.  Johns. 
The  French  attempted  no  discoveries  until  1524.  In  15P.4,  Sir 
Walter  Raleigh  under  commission  of  Queen  Elizabeth,  arrived 
in  America,  entered  Pamplico  Sound,  now  in  North  Carolina 


DISCOVERIES. 

and  sailed  thence  to  Roanoke,  of  this  country ;  he  took  posses 
sion,  and  on  his  return  to  England  gave  so  splendid  a  description 
of  it,  that  Queen  Elizabeth  bestowed  upon  it  the  name  of  Vir 
ginia,  in  allusion  to  her  being  unraaried. 

In  1602,  Bartholomew  Gosuold  discovered  some  part  of  New 
England.  He  first  touched  on  its  eastern  coast,  in  about  43  de 
grees  of  north  latitude;  he  made  some  discoveries  of  the  adja- 
cient  ports,  and  gave  them  the  name  of  Cape  Cod,  and  Martha  s 
Vineyard. 

In  1603,  the  French  made  some  small  discoveries,  and  began 
to  settle  at  Port  Royal,  on  the  Bay  of  Funda. 

In  1608,  Henry  Hudson  discovered  Long  Island;  he  also  dis 
covered  and  gave  name  to  Hudson  river,  which  retains  this  name 
to  the  present  time. 

In  the  story  of  Columbus  we  are  introduced  to  a  man  of  ge 
nius,  energy,  and  enterprise,  who  surmounted  every  obstacle, 
and  at  length  spread  his  sails  upon  the  unknown  waters  of -the  At 
lantic.  A  kind  Providence  auspiciously  guides  his  way,  and 
crowns  his  enterprise  with  the  discovery  of  a  new  world. 

The  character  of  Columbus  stands  very  high  in  the  estima 
tion  of  mankind ;  he  is  venerated  not  only  as  a  man  possessing 
superior  fortitude,  and  such  a  steady  perseverance,  as  no  impe 
diments,  dangers  and  sufferings  could  shake  ;  but  as  equally  dis 
tinguished  for  piety  and  virtue.  His  second  son  Ferdinand,  who 
wrote  the  life  of  his  father,  apologised  for  his  severity  towards 
the  natives  on  account  of  the  distressed  state  into  which  the  co 
lony  was  brought :  the  change  of  climate,  and  the  indispensa 
ble  labor  which  was  required  of  men  unaccustomed  to  any  ex 
ertion,  had  swept  away  great  numbers  of  the  new  settlers,  and 
the  survivors  were  declining  daily  ;  whilst  such  was  the  irre 
concilable  enmity  of  the  natives,  hat  the  most  kind  and  circum 
spect  conduct  on  the  part  of  the  Spaniards,  would  not  have  been 
effectual  to  regain  their  good  will. 

This  apology  seerns  to  have  been  generally  admitted,  for  all 
modern  writers  have  bestowed  upon  the  discovery  of  the  New 
World  the  warmest  commendation,  unmixed  with  censure.  It 
is  an  unpleasant  task  to  derogate  from  exalted  merit,  and  to  im 
pute  a  deliberate  plan  of  cruelty  and  extirpation  to  a  man  re 
vered  for  moral  worth  ;  but  although  a  pert  affectation  of  novel 
opinions  could  only  originate  in  weak  minds,  and  can  be  counte 
nanced  onl>  by  such,  yet  a  free  and  unreserved  scrutiny  of  facts 
can  alone  separate  truth  from  error,  and  apportion  the  just  and 
intrinsic  degree  of  merit  belonging  to  any  character. 

Columbus  having  found  the  natives  peaceable  and  well  dispo 
sed,  he  had  no  retson  to  apprehend  that  any  would  commence 
unprovoked  hostilites;  the  cavalry  which  he  took  over,  whilst 
it  tended  to  impress  those  people  with  the  deepest  awe  and  ven* 


10  DISCOVERIES. 

eration,  was  fully  sufficient  for  the  security  of  the  new  colony, 
if  the  friendship  of  the  natives  had  been  sincerely  meant  to  be 
cultivated  by  a  kind,  equitable  deportment;  but  to  treat  them  as  a 
free  people,  was  inconsistent  to  the  views  which  he  had  of  plant 
ing  a  colony;  Columbus  is  celebrated  for  histiumanity  and  good 
ness,  but  should  he  not  rather  be  considered  as  a  most  consummate 
dissembler;  professing  moderation  whilst  he  meditated  subver 
sion,  and  like  most  of  the  heroes  and  conquerors  whom  history 
records,  renouncing  every  principle  of  justice  and  humanity  when 
they  stopped  the  career  of  his  ambition  !  Ferdinand  Columbus, 
his  son  and  biographer,  has  with  great  address  covered  the  shame 
of  his  father,  whilst  the  admiring  world  has  been  little  disposed 
to  censure  a  man,  the  splendor  of  whose  actions  so  powerfully 
fascinates  and  dazzles.  We  see  him  forming  a  new,  and  in  those 
days  a  mighty  project;  having  matured  his  plan,  we  see  him  set 
himself  rigorously  about  executing  it,  after  being  baffled  by 
opposition,  rejected  by  his  friends,  yet  the  RULER  of  the  Uni 
verse  guides  his  course,  and  crowns  his  vov  age  with  valuable 
discovery. 

While  wp  admire  the  lofty  qualities  of  Columbus,  and  look 
with  wonder  at  the  consequences  which  have  resulted  from  his 
discovery,  let  us  emulate  his  decision,  energy  and  perseverance. 
Many  are  the  occasions  in  the  present  world,  on  which  it  will  be 
important  to  summon  these  to  our  aid ;  and  by  their  means,  ma 
ny  useful  objects  may  be  accomplished,  which,  without  them, 
would  be  unattained. 

But,  while  we  thus  press  forward  in  the  career  of  usefulness 
— while  we  aim  to  accomplish  for  our  fellow  men  all  the  amount 
of  good  in  our  power,  let  us  moderate  our  expectations  of  re 
ward  here,  by  the  consideration  that  Columbus  died  the  victim 
of  ingratitude  and  disappointment. 

Another  consideration,  of  still  deeper  interest,  is  suggested 
by  the  story  of  Columbus.  In  his  first  voyage,  he  contemplated 
chiefly  the  discovery  of  a  passage  to  India.  We  who  live  to 
mark  the  wonderful  events  which  have  flowed  from  this  disco 
very,  within  the  short  space  of  three  centuries,  cannot  but  ad 
vert  with  awe  to  HIM,  who  attaches  to  the  actions  of  a  single 
individual,  a  train  of  consequences  so  stupendous  and  unexpec 
ted.  How  lightly  soever,  then,  \»  e  may  think  or  our  conduct, 
let  us  remember  that  the  invisible  hand  of  Providence  ma^  be 
connecting  with  our  smallest  actions  the  most  momentous  re 
sults,  to  ourselves  and  others. 

With  respect  to  Americus  Vespucius,  it  may  be  observed,  that 
although  he  deprived  Columbus  of  the  merited  honor  of  giving 
his  name  to  the  new  world,  and  gained  this  distinction  for  him 
self — still,  his  name  will  ever  remain  stigmatized  as  having  ap 
propriated  that  to  himself,  which  fairly  belonged  to  another- 


DISCOVERIES.  11 

A  peculiar  trait  in  the  rich  and  varied  character  of  Columbus, 
remains  to  be  noticed  ;  that  ardent  and  enthusiastic  imagination 
which  threw  a  magnificence  over  his  whole  style  of  thinking* 
Herrera  intimates  that  he  had  a  talent  for  poetry,  and  some 
slight  traces  of  it  are  on  record,  in  the  book  of  prophecies  which 
he  presented  to  the  Catholic  sovereigns.  But  his  poetical  tem 
perament  is  discernible  throughout  all  his  writings,  and  in  all 
his  actions.  It  spread  a  golden  and  glorious  world  around  him, 
and  tinged  every  thing  with  its  own  gorgeous  colours.  It  be 
trayed  him  into  visionary  speculations,  which  subjected  him  to 
the  sneers  and  cavillings  of  men  of  cooler  and  safer,  but  more 
grovelling  minds.  Such  were  the  conjectures  formed  on  the 
coast  of  Paria  about  the  form  of  the  earth  and  the  situation  of 
the  terrestrial  paradise;  about  the  mines  of  Ophir  in  Hispanio- 
la,  and  of  tbe  Aurea  Chersonesus  in  Veragua  ;  and  such  was 
the  heroic  scheme  of  a  crusade  for  the  recovery  of  the  holy  sep 
ulchre.  It  mingled  with  his  religion,  and  filled  his  mind  with 
solemn  and  visionary  meditations  on  mystic  passages  of  the 
scriptures,  and  the  shadowy  ponents  of  the  prophecies.  It  ex 
alted  his  office  in  his  eyes,  and  made  him  conceive  himself  an 
agent  sent  forth  upon  a  sublime  and  awful  mission,  subject  to 
impulses  and  supernatural  intimations  from  the  deity;  such  as 
the  voice  which  he  imagined  spoke  to  him  in  comfort,  amidst 
the  troubles  ot  Hispamola,  and  in  the  silence  of  night  on  the 
disasteroub  coast  of  Veragua. 

He  was  decidedly  a  visionary  ;  but  a  visionary  of  an  uncom 
mon  and  successful  kind.  The  manner  in  which  his  ardent,  im 
aginative  and  mercurial  nature  was  controlled  by  a  powerful 
judgment,  and  directed  by  an  acute  sagacity,  is  the  most  extra 
ordinary  feature  in  his  character.  Thus  governed,  his  imagina 
tion,  instead  of  exhausting  itselt  in  idle  soarings,  lent  wings  to 
his  judgment,  and  bore  it  away  to  remote  conclusions,  at  which 
common  minds  could  never  have  arrived,  nay,  which  they  could 
not  percieve  when  pointed  out. 

To  his  intellectual  vision  it  was  given  to  read  the  signs  of  the 
times,  and  in  the  conjectures  and  reveries  of  past  ages,  the  in 
dications  of  an  unknown  world ;  as  soothsayers  were  said  to 
read  predictions  in  the  stars,  and  to  foretell  events  from  the 
visions  of  night.  "His  soul,"  observes  a  Spanish  writer,  "  was 
superior  to  the  age  in  which  he  lived.  For  him  was  reserved 
the  great  enterprize  to  plough  a  sea  which  had  given  rise  to  so 
many  fables,  and  to  decipher  ihe  mystery  of  his  time." 

With  all  the  visionary  fervor  of  his  imagination,  its  fondest 
dreams  fell  short  of  the  reality.  He  died  in  ignorance  of  the 
real  grandeur  of  his  discovery.  Until  his  last  breath,  he  enter 
tained  the  idea  that  he  had  merely  opened  a  new  way  to  the  old 
resorts  of  opulent  commerce,  and  had  discovered  some  of  the 


12  DISCOVERIES. 

wild  regions  of  the  east.  He  supposed  Hispaniola  to  be  the  an 
cient  Ophir,  which  had  been  visited  by  the  ships  of  Solomon, 
and  that  Cuba  and  Terra  Firma  were  but  remote  parts  of  Asia. 
What  visions  of  glory  would  have  broke  upon  his  mind,  could 
he  have  known  that  he  had  indeed  discovered  a  new  continent, 
equal  to  the  whole  of  the  old  world  in  magnitude,  and  separa 
ted  by  two  vast  oceans  from  all  the  earth  hitherto  known  by  ci 
vilized  man  :  and  how  would  his  magnanimous  spirit  have  been 
consoled,  amidst  the  chills  of  age  and  cares  of  penury,  the  neg 
lect  of  a  fickle  public,  and  the  injustice  of  an  ungrateful  king, 
could  he  have  anticipated  the  splendid  empires  which  were  to 
spread  over  the  beautiful  world  he  had  discovered,  and  the  na 
tions,  and  tongues,  and  languages,  which  were  to  fill  its  lands 
with  his  renown,  and  to  revere  and  bless  his  name  to  the  latest 
posterity ! 

When  we  read  of  the  remains  of  Columbus,  thus  conveyed 
from  the  port  of  St.  Domingo,  After  an  interval  of  nearly  three 
hundred  years,  as  sacred  national  reliques,  with  civic  and  mil 
itary  pomp,  and  high  religious  ceremonial  ;  the  most  dignified 
and  illustrious  men  striving  who  most  should  pay  them  reve 
rence  ;  we  cannot  but  reflect  that  it  was  from  this  very  port 
he  was  carried  offloaded  with  ignominious  chains,  blasted  ap 
parently  in  fame  and  fortune,  and  followed  by  the  revilings  of 
a  rabble.  Such  honours,  it  is  true,  are  nothing  to  the  dead, 
nor  can  they  atone  to  the  heart,  now  dust  and  ashes,  for  all  the 
wrongs  and  sorrows  it  may  have  suffered  ;  but  they  speak  vol 
umes  of  comfort  to  the  illustrious,  yet  slandered  and  persecu 
ted  living,  encouraging  them  bravely  to  bear  with  present  in 
juries,  by  showing  them  how  true  merit  outlives  all  calumny, 
and  receives  its  glorious  reward  in  the  admiration  of  after  ages. 


UNIVERSAL  HISTORY 

OF    THE 

UNITED  STATES- 

Part  ¥\rat. 


CHAPTER  II. 

Front  the  settlement  of  Jamestoicn  to  the  embarkation  of  the 
Plymouth  Company. 

The  discovery  of  America  by  Columbus,  gave  a  new  impulse 
to  that  bold  spirit  of  adventure  which  characterised  the  hardy 
age  in  which  lie  lived.  Although  several  men  of  rank  and  for 
tune  were  concerned  in  the  companies  which  had  been  formed 
in  England  for  colonising  America,  their  funds  appear  to  have 
been  very  limited,  and  their  first  efforts  were  extremely  feeble. 
The  first  expedition  for  the  southern  colony  consisted  of  one 
vessel  of  100  tons,  and  two  barks,  with  105  men  destined  to  re 
main  in  the  country.  The  command  of  this  small  fleet  was 
given  to  Captain  Newport,  who  sailed  from  the  Thames  the 
l^thof  December,  1606.  At  the  time  his  instructions  were 
given,  three  packages,  sealed  with  the  seal  of  the  council,  were 
delivered,  one  to  Captain  Newport,  one  to  Captain  Bartholomew 
Gosnald,  and  the  third  to  Captain  John  Ratcliffe,  containing  the 
names  of  the  council  for  the  colony.  They  were  directed  not 
to  open  these  packages  within  24  hours  after  their  arrival  on 
the  coast  of  Virginia,  and  the  names  of  his  majesty's  council 
were  then  to  be  proclaimed.  The  council  were  then  to  proceed 
to  the  choice  of  a  president,  who  should  have  two  votes.  To 
this  singular  and  unaccountable  concealment  have  been  in  a 
great  degree  attributed,  the  dissension  which  distracted  the  col 
onists  on  their  passage,  and  which  afterwards  considerably  im 
peded  the  progress  of  their  infant  settlement.  Newport,  whose 
place  of  destination  was  Roanoke,  took  the  circuitous  route  by 
2 


14  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

the  West  India  islands,  and  had  a  long  passage  of  four  months. 
The  reckoning  had  been  out  for  three  days,  without  perceiving 
land  ;  and  serious  propositions  were  made  for  returning-  to  Eng 
land  ;  when  they  were  overtaken  by  a  storm  which  fortunately 
drove  them  to  the  mouth  of  the  Chesapeake.  On  the  26th  of 
April,  1607,  they  discerned  cape  Henry,  and  soon  after  cape 
Charles.  Impatient  to  land,  a  party  of  about  30  men  went  on 
shore  at  cape  Henry,  but  they  were  immediately  attacked  by 
the  natives,  who  considered  them  as  enemies,  and  in  the  skir 
mish  which  ensued,  several  were  wounded  on  both  sides.  The 
first  employment  of  the  colonists  was  to  explore  the  adjacent 
country,  with  the  appearance  ofwhichthey  weregreatly  delight 
ed,  and  to  select  a  spot  on  which  their  settlement  should  be 
'made.  They  proceeded  up  alarge,  beautiful  river,  called  by  the 
natives,  Powhatan,  and  to  which  they  gave  the  name  of 
James  ;  on  a  peninsula  on  the  north  side  of  which  they  immedi 
ately  agreed  to  make  the  first  establishment  of  their  colony. — 
This  place,  as  well  as  the  river,  they  named  after  their  king, 
and  called  it  Jamestown ;  there  they  debarked  on  the  13th  of 
May,  and  the  sealed  packets  being  opened,  Mr.  Wingfield  was 
by  the  council  elected  their  president;  but  under  frivolous  and 
unjustifiable  pretexts,  they  excluded  from  his  seat  among  them, 
John  Smith,  whose  courage  and  lalentsseem  to  have  excited 
their  envy,  and  who  on  the  passage  had  been  imprisoned  on  the 
improbable  and  unsupportable  charge  of  intending  to  murder 
the  council,  usurp  the  government,  and  make  himself  king  of 
Virginia. 

The  colonists  soon  found  themselves  embroiled  with  the  In 
dians,  who  attacked  them  suddenly  while  at  work  ;  but  were 
Irightened  by  the  fire  from  the  ship,  and  in  a  short  time  a  tem 
porary  accommodation  with  them  was  effected.  Although 
Newport  was  named  of  the  council,  he  was  ordered  to  return 
with  the  vessel  to  England,  and  the  time  of  his  departure  ap 
proached.  The  accusers  of  Smith  affecting  a  degree  of  hu 
manity  which  they  did  not  feel,  proposed  that  he  should  return 
with  Newport,  instead  of  being  prosecuted  in  Virginia  ;  but, 
with  the  pride  of  conscious  innocence,  he  demanded  his  trial, 
and  being  honourably  acquitted,  took  his  seat  in  the  council. 
About  the  15th  of  Juno,  Newport  sailed  for  England,  leaving 
behind  him  one  bark  and  about  100  persons,  the  only  English 
then  on  the  continent  of  America.  Thus  about  one  hundred 
and  ten  years  after  this  continent  had  been  discovered  by  Ca 
bot,  and  22  years  after  a  colony  had  been  conducted  to  Roanoke 
by  Sir  Richard  Grenville,  the  English  possessions  in  America, 
designed  soon  to  become  a  mighty  empire,  were  limited  to  a 
peninsula  of  a  fe\v  thousand  acres  of  land,  held  by  a  small  body 
of  men,  who  with  difficulty  maintained  themselves  against  the 


THE    UNITED  STATE-.  15 

paltry  tribes  which  surrounded  them,  and  looked  in  a  great 
measure  to  the  other  si  Je  of  the  Atlantic  for  the  bread  on  which 
they  were  to  subsist.  The  stock  of  provisions  for  the  colony 
had  been  very  improvidentially  laid  in;  it  was  entirely  inade- 
equate  to  their  wants,  and  in  addition  to  this  original  er 
ror,  it  had  sustained  great  damage  in  the  holds  of  their  vessels, 
during  their  long  passage.  On  the  departure  of  Newport  (du 
ring  whose  stay  they  managed  to  partake  of  the  superfluity  of 
sailors)  they  were  reduced  to  the  necessity  of  subsisting  on  the 
distributions  from  the  public  stores.  These  were  at  the  same 
time  scanty  and  unwholesome.  They  did  not  amount  to  more 
per  man  than  a  pint  of  worm  eaten  wheat,  and  barley  boiled  in  a 
common  kettle.  This  wretched  food  increased  the  malignity  of. 
the  diseases  generated  by  a  hot,  and  at  tint  time  (the  country 
being  entirely  uncleared  and  undraincd,)  a  damp  climate,  among 
men  exposed  from  their  situation  to  all  its  rigours.  Before  the 
month  of  September,  50  of  the  company,  and  among  them  Bar 
tholomew  Gosnald,  who  had  originated  the  expedition,  and  so 
much  contributed  towards  its  being  carried  on,  were  buried. — 
This  scene  of  distress  was,  heightened  by  internal  dissension. 
The  president  was  charged  with  having  embezzled  the  best  stores 
of  the  colony,  and  with  feasting  at  his  private  table  with  beef  and 
bread,  then  deemed  luxuries  of  the  highest  order,  while  famine 
and  death  devoured  his  fellow  adventurers.  No  crime  in  the 
public  opinion,  could  have  been  more  atrocious.  In  addition  to 
this,  he  was  detected  in  an  attempt  to  escape  from  them  and  their 
calamities,  in  the  bark  which  had  been  left  by  Newport.  The 
general  indignation,  could  no  longer  be  restrained.  He  was 
deposed,  and  Ratcliffe  chosen  to  succeed  him.  Misfortune  is 
not  (infrequently  the  parent  of  moderation  and  reflection,  and 
this  state  of  misery  produced  a  system  of  conduct  towards  the 
neighbouring  Indians  which  for  the  moment  disarmed  their  re 
sentment,  and  induced  them  to  bring  in  sucii  supplies  as  the 
country  at  that  season  afforded,  and  therebv  preserved  the  rem 
nant  of  the  colony.  It  produced  another  effect,  not  less  impor 
tant.  Their  sense  of  imminent  and  common  danger,  called 
forth  and  compelled  submission  to  those  talents  which  were  fitted 
to  the  exigence,  and  best  calculated  to  extricate  them  from  the 
difficulties  to  which  they  were  surrounded.  Captain  Smith,  who 
had  been  imprisoned  and  expelled  from  the  council  by  the  envy 
of  those  who  felt  and  hated  his  superiority,  and  who  "after  evin 
cing  Iris  innocence,  had  with  difficulty  been  admitted  to  the  sta 
tion  assigned,  preserved  his  health  unimpaired,  his  spirits  un 
broken,  and  his  judgment  unclouded,  amidst  this  general  misery 
rind  dejection.  In  him,  by  common  consent,  all  actual  authority 
was  placed,  and  ho.  by  his  own  example,  soon  gave  energy  and 
efficiency  to  others  in  the  execution  of  his  commands. 


16  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

He  immediately  erected  at  Jamestown  such  rude  fortifications 
as  were  necessary  to  resist  the  sudden  attack  of  the  savages, 
and  with  great  labour,  in  which  he  always  took  the  lead,  comple 
ted  the  construction  of  such  dwellings  as  could  shelter  the  peo 
ple  from  the  weather  :  contributed  to  restore  and  preserve  their 
health  while  his  accommodation  gave  place  to  all  others.  In 
the  season  of  gathering  corn,  which  with  the  Indians  is  a  sea 
son  of  plenty,  putting  himself  at  the  head  of  small  parties,  he 
penetrated  into  the  country,  and  by  presents  and  caresses  to 
those  that  were  well  disposed,  and  attacking  with  open  force  and 
defeating  those  who  were  hostile,  he  obtained  for  his  country 
men  the  most  abundant  supplies.  While  thus  actively  and  use 
fully  employed  abroad,  he  was  not  permitted  to  withdraw  his  at 
tention  from  the  domestic  concerns  of  the  colony.  However 
unfit  men  may  be  for  command,  there  are  few  examples  of  their 
descending  willingly  from  exalted  stations  once  filled  by  them, 
and  it  is  not  wonderful  that  the  late  president  saw  with  displeas 
ure,  another  placed  above  him. 

A3  unworthy  minds  most  readily  devise  unworthy  means,  he 
sought  by  intriguing  with  the  factious,  and  fomenting  their 
discontents,  to  regain  his  lost  authority  ;  and  when  their  at 
tempts  were  disconcerted,  plans  were  laid,  first  by  Wingfieid  and 
Kendal,  and  afterwards  bvthe  president  himself,  in  conjunction 
with  Martin,  the  only  remaining  member  of  the  council,  except 
Smith,  to  escape  in  the  bark,  and  thus  abandon  the  country. 
The  vigilance  of  Smith  detected  all  these  machinations,  and  his 
vigour  defeated  them.  The  hope  was  now  indulged  of  preserv 
ing  the  colony  in  quiet  and  plenty,  until  supplies  could  be  re 
ceived  from  England,  with  the  ships  which  were  expected  in 
the  spring.  This  hope  was  in  a  considerable  degree  defeated, 
by  an  event  which  threatened  at  first,  the  most  disastrous  con 
sequences.  In  an  attempt  to  explore  the  head  of  Chickaho- 
miny  river,  Smith  was  discovered  and  attacked  by  a  numerous 
body  of  Indians,  and  in  endeavouring  to  make  his  escape,  after 
a  most  gallant  defence,  his  attention  being  directed  to  the  ene 
my  whom  he  still  fought  in  retreating,  he  sunk  up  to  his  neck 
in  a  swamp,  and  was^obliged  to  surrender.  Still,  retaining  his 
presence  of  mind  he  showed  them  a  mariner's  compass,  at 
which,  especially  at  the  playing  of  the  needle,  and  the  impossi 
bility  of  touching  it,  although  they  saw  it  so  distinctly,  they 
were  greatly  astonished  ;  and  he  amused  them  with  so  many 
surprising  stories  of  its  qualities  as  to  inspire  them  with  ^  a  de 
gree  of  veneration  which  prevented  their  executing  their  first 
design  of  killing  him  on  the  spot.  They  conducted  him  in  tri 
umph  through  several  towns  to  the  palace  of  Powhatan,  the 
most  potent  king  in  the  country.  There  he  was  doomed  to 
be  put  to  death,  by  laying  his  head  upon  a  log,  and  beating  his. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  17 

brains  out  with  club?.  He  was  led  to  the  place  of  execution, 
and  his  head  bowed  down  for  the  purpose  of  death,  when 
Pocahontas,  the  kind's  daughter,  then  about  thirteen  years  of 
age,  whose  entreaties  for  his  life  had  been  ineffectual,  rushed 
between  him  and  the  executioner,  and  folding  his  head  in  her 
arms,  and  laying  hers  upon  it,  arrested  the  fatal  blow.  Her 
father  was  then  prevailed  on  to  spare  his  life,  and  after  a  great 
many  savage  ceremonies,  he  was  sent  back  to  Jamestown.  On 
his  arrival  thither,  haung  been  absent  seven  weeks,  he  found 
the  colony  reduced  to  3H  persons,  most  of  whom  seemed  deter 
mined  to  abandon  the  country  which  appeared  to  them  so  un 
favourable  to  hum-in  life.  He  was  Justin  lime  to  prevent  the 
execution  of  this  design.  Alternately  employing  persuasions, 
threats,  and  even  violence,  he  at  length  with  much  hazard  to 
himself  induced  the  majority  to  relinquish  the  intentions  they 
had  formed,  and  then  turning  the  guns  of  the  forJs  on  the  bark 
on  board  which  were  the  most  determined,  compelled  her  to 
remain,  or  sink  in  the  river.  By  judicious  regulation  of 
their  intercourse  with  the  Indians,  among  whom  Smith  was 
now  in  high  repute,  he  preserved  plenty  in  the  colony,  until  the 
arrival  of  two  vessels  which  had  been  despatched  from  England 
under  the  command  of  Captain  Newport,  with  a  supply  of  pro 
visions,  instruments  of  husbandry,  and  with  a  reinforcement  of 
120  persons,  consisting  of  many  gentlemen,  a  few  labourer?, 
and  several  refiners,  goldsmiths,  and  jewellers.  The  Joy  of  the 
colony  on  receiving  this  accession  of  force  and  supply  of  pro 
visions,  was  extreme.  But  the  influence  of  Smith  disappeared 
with  the  danger  which  had  produced  it,  and  an  improvident  re 
laxation  of  discipline,  productive  of  the  most  pernicious  conse 
quences  succeeded  to  it.  Among  the  unwise  practices  which 
they  tolerated,  an  indiscriminate  traffic  with  the  natives  was 
permitted,  in  the  course  of  which,  some  obtained  for  their  com 
modities  much  better  bargains  than  others,  which  inspired  those 
who  had  been  most  hardly  dealt  by,  and  who  thought  them 
selves  cheated,  with  resentment  against  the  English  generally, 
and  a  consequent  thirst  for  revenge. 

Abou*  this  time  was  found  washed  down  by  a  small  stream 
of  water,  back  of  Jamestown,  a  glittering  earth,  which  by  the 
colonists  was  mistaken  for  gold  dust.  All  that  raging  'thirst 
for  gold  which  accompanied  the  first  Europeans  who  visited  the 
American  continent,  seemed  re-excited  by  this  incident.  Mr. 
Stith,  in  his  history,  says,  there  was  nothing  thought  of  but  to 
dtg  gold,  wash  gold,  refine  gold,  and  load  gold.  And  notwith 
standing  Captain  Smith's  warm  and  judicious  representations, 
how  absurd  it  was  to  neglect  all  other  things  of  immediate  sse 
and  necessity,  to  load  such  a  drunken  ship  with  gilded  dust,  yet 
was  he  overruled,  and  her  returns  were  made  with  a  parcel  of 
2* 


18  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

glittering  dirt,  which  is  to  bo  found  in  various  parts  of  the 
country,  and  which  they  very  sanguinely  concluded  to  be  gold 
dust. 

One  vessel  returned  in  the  spring  of  1608,  the  other  the  2d 
of  June,  laden  one  wilh  dust,  the  other  with  cedar.  This  is 
the  first  remittance  ever  made  from  America  by  an  English 
colony.  The  effects  of  this  fatal  delusion  were  such  as  might 
have  been  foreseen,  and  were  soon  felt.  The  colony  began  to 
suffer  the  same  distress  from  scarcity  of  food,  which  had  be 
fore  brought  it  to  the  brink  of  ruin.  The  researches  of  the  Eng 
lish  settlers  had  not  yet  extended  beyond  the  countries  adja 
cent  to  James  river.  Smith  had  formed  the  bold  design  of  ex 
ploring  the  great  bay  of  Chesapeake,  examining  the  mighty  riv 
ers  which  empty  into  it,  opening  an  entrance  with  the  nations 
inhabiting  them,  and  acquiring  a  knowledge  of  the  state  of 
their  cultivation  and  population.  This  hardy  enterprise,  he  un 
dertook,  accompanied  by  Doctor  Russell,  in  an  open  boat  of 
about  three  tons  burthen,  and  with  a  crew  of  13  men.  On  the 
2d  of  June,  he  fell  down  the  river  in  company  with  the  last  of 
Newport's  two  vessels,  and  parted  with  her  at  the  capes.  Be 
ginning  his  survey  at  cape  Charles,  he  examined  with  immense 
fatigue  and  danger,  every  river,  inlet,  and  bay,  on  both  sides 
the  Chesapeake,  as  far  as  the  mouth  of  the  Rappahannoc,  from 
whence,  their  provisions  being  exhausted,  he  returned  to 
Jamestown.  He  reached  the  place  on  the  21st  of  July,  and 
found  the  colony  in  the  utmost  confusion  and  disorder.  Those 
who  had  arrived"  last  with  Newport,  were  all  sick,  and  general 
scarcity  prevailed,  an  universal  discontent  with  the  president, 
whom  they  charged  with  riotously  consuming' the  stores,  and 
unnecessarily  fatiguing  the  people,  with  building  a  house  of 
pleasure  for  himself,  in  the  woods.  The  seasonable  arrival  of 
Smith,  prevented  their  fury  from  breaking  out  in  acts  of  per 
sonal  violence.  Their  views  were  extended  and  their  spirits 
revived,  by  the  accounts  he  gave  of  his  discovery.  They  con 
tented  themselves  with  deposing  their  president,  and  Smith 
was  urged,  but  refused  to  succeed  him. 

Having  made  in  three  days,  arrangements  for  obtaining  reg 
ular  supplies,  and  for  the  government  of  the  colony,  his  firm 
friend  Mr.  Scrivner,  was  appointed  vice  president,  and  on  the 
14th  of  July,  he  again  set  out,  with  12  men,  to  complete  his 
discoveries. 

From  this  voyage  he  returned  on  the  7th  of  September.  He 
had  adventured  as  far  as  the  river  Susquehanna,  and  visited 
all  the  countries  on  both  sides  ©f  the  bay ;  he  entered  most  of  the 
large  creeks,  and  sailed  up  many  of  the  great  rivers  to  their  falls. 

When  we  consider  that  he  sailed  above  300  miles  in  an  open 
>  when  we  contemplate  the  dangers  and  the  hardships  he 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  19 

encountered,  and  the  fortitude,  courage  and  patience  with 
which  he  met  them  ;  when  we  reflect  on  the  useful  and  impor 
tant  additions  which  he  made  to  the  stock  of  knowledge  res 
pecting  America,  then  possessed  by  his  countrymen,  we  shall 
not  hesitate  to  say  that  few  voyages  of  discovery,  undertaken 
at  any  time,  reflect  more  honour  on  those  engaged  in  them, 
than  this  does  on  Captain  Smith.  It  may  not  be  entirely  un 
worthy  of  remark,  that  about  the  bottom  of  the  bay,  Smith 
went  with  a  party  of  Indians  from  St  Lawrence,  coming  to  war 
with  those  of  that  neighbourhood  ;  and  that  he  found  among 
Indians  on  the  Susquehannah,  hatchets  obtained  originally  from 
the  French  in  Canada. 

On  the  10th  of  September,  immediately  after  his  return  from 
his  expedition,  he  was  chosen  president  by  the  council,  and  ac 
cepted  the  office. 

Soon  after  Newport  arrived  with  an  additional  supply  of  in 
habitants  ;  among  whom  were  the  two  first  females  who  had 
ventured  into  the  country  :  but  he  came  without  provisions. 
The  distinguished,  judidious,  and  vigorous»«edministration  of 
the  president,  however,  supplied  their  wants,  and  restrained 
the  turbulent.  Encouraged  by  his  example,  coerced  by  his  au 
thority,  a  spirit  of  industry  and  subordination  appeared  to  be 
created  in  the  colony,  which  was  the  parent  of  plenty  and 
peace.  In  the  mean  time,  the  company  in  England  became 
excessively  dissatisfied  with  their  property  in  America.  They 
had  calculated  on  discovering  a  passage  to  the  south  sea,  and 
mines  of  the  precious  metals  ;  which  might  afford  to  individu 
als  the  same  sudden  accumulation  of  wealth  which  had  been  ac 
quired  by  the  Spaniards  in  the  south.  In  all  their  hopes  they 
had  been  previously  disappointed,  rnd  had  as  yet  received 
scarcely  any  advantage  for  the  heavy  expenses  they  had  incur 
red ;  yet  hope  did  not  altogether  forsake  them,  and  they  still 
indulged  in  golden  dreams  of  future  wealth. 

On  the  23d  of  May,  1609,  a  new  charter  was  granted  them, 
gome  of  the  first  nobility  and  gentry  of  tlie  country,  and  most  of 
the  companies  of  London,  with  a  numerous  body  of  merchants 
and  tradesmen,  were  now  added  to  the  former  adventurers, 
and  they  were  all  incorporated,  by  the  name  of  the  Treasurer 
and  company  of  adventurers  of  the  city  of  London,  for  the  first 
colony  in  Virginia.  To  them  was  granted,  as  their  property, 
the  lands  extending  from  cape  or  point  Comfort  along  the  sea 
coast,  200  miles  northward,  and  from  the  same  point  along  the 
eea  coast  200  miles  southward. 

The  corporation  was  authorised  to  own  under  its  common 
seal  particular  portions  of  these  lands  to  subjects  or  denizens  on 
such  conditions  as  might  promote  the  intentions  of  the  grant. 
The  powers  of  the  president  and  council  in  Virginia  were 


20  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

abrogated,  and  a  new  council  in  England  was  established  an<l 
ordained  in  ihe  charter,  with  power  to  the  company  to  fill  all 
vacancies  therein  by  election.  This  council  was  empowered 
to  appoint  and  renew  all  officers  for  the  colony,  and  to  make 
all  ordinances  for  its  Government,  provided  they  be  not  con 
trary  to  the  laws  of  England.  License  was  given  to  trans 
port  all  persons  that  were  willing,  and  to  export  merchandize 
free  from  custom  to  Virginia,  for  seven  years.  There  was 
also  granted  for  twenty  one  years,  freedom  from  all  subsidies 
in  Virginia,  and  from  all  impositions  on  importations  and  ex- 
portations,  from  or  to  any  of  the  king's  dominions,  except  only 
the  five  pounds  in  the  hundred  due  for  custom.  The  company 
being  now  enlarged,  was  enabled  to  take  more  efficient  meas 
ures  than  heretofore  for  the  settlement  of  the  country  ;  they 
soon  fitted  out  nine  ships  with  500  emigrants,  and  such  supplier 
as  were  deemed  necessary  for  them.  Lord  Delawar  was  con 
stituted  governor  and  captain  general  for  life,  and  several  oth 
er  high  sounding  and  useless  offices  were  created.  The  direc 
tion  of  the  expedition  was  again  given  to  Captain  Newport, 
George  Somers,  and  Thomas  Gates.  Power  was  severally 
granted  to  govern  the  colony  until  the  arrival  of  Lord  Dela 
war.  • 

With  singular  indiscretion,  the  council  omitted  to  establish 
precedence  among  these  gentlemen,  and  being  totally  unable  to 
settle  this  point  between  themselves,  they  agreed  to  embark  on 
board  of  the  sa,ne  vessel,  and  to  be  companions  during  the 
voyage.  They  were  parted  from  the  rest  of  the  fleet  in  a  storm, 
and  driven  on  Bermudas,  having  on  board  150  men,  a  consider 
able  portion  of  the  provisions,  and  the  new  commission  and  in 
structions  of  the  council.  ,  The  residue  of  the  squadron  arrived, 
safe  in  Virginia.  The  great  part  of  the  new  company  consis 
ted  of  unruly  sparks  packed  off  by  thoir  friends  to  escape  worse 
destinies  at  home  ;  and  the  rest  chiefly  made  up  of  poor  gen 
tlemen,  broken  tradesmen,  rakes  and  libertines,  footmen,  and 
such  others  as  were  more  ruinous  to  the  commonwealth,  than 
to  help  to  raise  or  maintain  it.  They  assumed  to  themselves  the 
power  of  disposing  of  the  government,  and  conferred  it  some 
times,  on  one  and  sometimes  on  another.  To  day  the  old  com 
mission  must  rule,  to  morrow  the  new,  and  next  day  neither. 
So  all  was  anarchy  and  distraction.  The  judgment  of  Smith 
was  suspended  but  for  a  short  time.  He  soon  determined  that 
his  own  authority  was  not  legally  revoked  until  the  arrival  of 
the  new  commission,  and  therefore  resolved  to  continue  itsex,- 
ercise.  He  boldly  imprisoned  the  chief  promoter  of  the  sedi 
tion,  and  thereby  restored  for  a  time  regularity  and  obedience. 
Having  effected  "this,  he  detached  100  persons  to  the  falls  of 
James  river,  under  the  conduct  of  West,  and  the  same  nuna~ 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  21 

bcr  to  Nansemond,  under  the  command  of  Martin.  These  set 
tlements  were  conducted  with  so  little  judgment,  that  they 
soon  converted  all  the  neighbouring  Indians  into  enemies,  had 
several  parties  cut  off,  and  found  themselves  in  need  of  the  sup 
port  and  direction  of  Smith.  These  were  always  afforded  un 
til  a  melancholy  accident  deprived  the  colony  of  the  aid  of  a 
man,  whose  talents  had  more  than  once  rescued  it  from  that 
desperate  condition  info  which  folly  and  vice  had  plunged  it. 
Returning  from  the  company  at  the  falls  of  James  river,  his 
powder  bag,  while  he  was  asleep  in  the  boat,  took  fire  ;  he  was 
wounded  so  as  to  be  confined  to  his  bed.  Being  thus  wound 
ed,  and  unable  to  obtain  the  aid  of  a  surgeon  in  the  colony,  ho 
determined  to  return  to  England,  fur  which  place  he  embarked 
about  the  beginning  of  October.  At  his  departure,  the  colony 
consisted  of  about  500  inhabitants  ;  they  were  furnished  with 
three  ships,  7  boats,  10  weeks'  provisions  in  the  public  store, 
6  mares  and  a  horse,  a  lara'e  stock  of  hogs  and  poultry,  with  some 
fcheep  and  goats  ;  utensils  for  agriculture,  nets  for  fishing  ;  100 
trained  and  expert  soldiers,  well  acquainted  with  the  Indians, 
their  language  and  habitations  :  24  pieces  of  ordnance,  and 
three  hundred  muskets,  with  a  sufficient  quantity  of  other  arms 
and  ammunition..  The  present  fair  prospect  was  soon  blasted. 
The  Indians  understood  that  the  man  whose  conduct  and  vig 
our  they  had  so  often  experienced,  and  so  much  dreaded,  no 
longer  remained  in  the  country  ;  they  fell  upon  them.  Captains 
West  and  Martin  having  lost  their  boats,  and  nearly  half  of 
their  men,  were  driven  back  to  Jamestown  ;  the  stock  of  pro 
visions  was  lavishly  wasted,  and  a  famine,  tho  most  dreadful 
with  which  they  had  ever  been  afflicted,  raged  among  them. 
After  devouring  the  skins  of  their  horses,  and  the  Indians  they 
had  killed,  the  survivors  fed  on  those  of  their  companions  who 
had  sunk  under  such  accumulated  calamities.  This  period  was 
long  remembered  by  the  name  of  the  Starving  Time.  In  six 
months,  the  colony  was  reduced  to  60  persons;  who  were  so 
feeble  and  dejected,  that  they  could  not  survive  ten  days  iou- 
ger.  In  this  calamitous  state,  they  were  relieved  by  Thomas 
Gates,  George  Somers,  and  Captain  Newport,  who  arrive  i 
from  Bermuda,  24th  of  May,  1610.  It  was  immediately  deter 
mined  to  abandon  the  country  ;  and  for  this  purpose  th  > 
wietched  remnant  of  the  colony  embarked  on  board  the  vessel 
just  arrived  from  Bermuda,  and  set  sail  for  England.  None 
dropped  a  tear,  because  none  had  enjoyed  one  day  of  happiness. 
But  they  met  Lord  Delawar  in  the  river,  with  3  ships,  and  a 
recruit  of  new  settlers  and  persons  from  England,  who  prevailed 
on  them  to  return  ;  and  on  the  10th  of  June,  re-settled  them  at 
Jamestown. 


52  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

On  the  10th  of  May,  1611,  Sir  Thomas  Dale,  who  had  been 
appointed  to  the  government,  arrived  with  fresh  supplies  of 
men  and  provisions,  and  found  tl>e  colony  relapsing  into  its  for 
mer  state  ofidleness  and  penury.  It  required  all  the  authority 
of  the  new  governor  to  maintain  public  order,  and  to  compel 
the  idle  and  the  dissolute  to  labour.  Some  conspiracies  having 
been  detected  he  proclaimed  martial  law,  and  instantly  executed 
it,  by  punishing  the  most  guilty.  These  severities,  which  in 
the  ordinary  state  of  society  would  not  and  ought  not  to  have 
been  submitted  to,  were  then  deemed  necessary,  and  are  spoken 
of  as  having  probably  saved  the  settlement.  In  the  beginning  of 
August,  Sir  Thomas  Gates,  who  had  been  appointed  to  suc 
ceed  Thomas  Dale,  arrived  with  six  ships,  and  a  considerable 
supply  of  men  and  provisions.  The  colony  being  now  greatly 
strengthened,  began  to  extend  itself  up  the  James  river,  and 
several  new  settlements  were  made.  In  March  1612,  a  new 
charter  was  issued,  granting  to  the  treasurer  and  company  all 
the  islands  situate  in  the  ocean,  within  three  hundred  leagues 
of  the  coast  of  Virginia. 

It  was  ordained  that  four  general  courts  of  adventurers  should 
be  holden  annually,  for  the  determination  of  affairs  of  importance, 
and  weekly  meetings  were  appointed  for  the  transaction  of 
common  business. 

To  promote  the  settlement,  which  had  already  cost  such 
considerable  sums,  license  was  given  to  open  lotteries  in  any 
part  of  England.  These  lotteries,  which  were  the  first  ever 
drawn  in  England,  brought  twenty  nine  thousand  pounds 
into  the  treasury  of  the  company.  Captain  Argal  arrived  from 
England,  with  two  vessels,  and  was  sent  round  to  the  Potomac, 
for  a  cargo  of  corn.  Here  he  understood  that  Pocahontas,  who 
had  saved  the  life  of  Smith,  and  ever  had  been  steadfast  in  her 
attachments  to  the  English,  having  absented  herself  from  her 
father's  house,  now  lay  concealed.  By  bribing  some  of  those 
in  whom  she  had  confided,  Captain  Argal  prevailed  on  her  to 
come  on  board  his  vessel,  where  she  was  detained  respectfully, 
and  brought  to  Jamestown.  His  motive  was  the  hope  that  the 
possession  of  Pocahontas  would  give  the  English  an  ascendancy 
over  her  father,  Powhatan.  In  this",  however  he-was  disappointed. 
Powhatan  offered  corn  and  friendship,  if  they  would  first  restore 
his  daughter,  but  would  come  to  no  terms  until  reparation  was 
made  for  what  he  resented,  as  an  act  of  unhandsome  treachery. 
During  her  detention  at  Jamestown, she  made  an  impression  on  the 
heart  of  Mr.  Rolfe,  a  young  gentleman  of  estimation  in  the  colony 
who  also  suceeded  in  gaining  her  affections.  They  were  mar 
ried,  with  the  consent  of  Powhatan,  who  ever  after  continued 
to  be  a  sincere  friend  to  the  English.  This  led  to  a  treaty  with 
the  Chiccahom'mies  a  brave  and  powerful  tribe,  who  submitted 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  23 

to  the  English,  and  became  their  tributaries.  In  1613,  Sir  Thom 
as  Dale  divided  a  considerable  portion  of  the  lands  into  lots  of 
three  acres  each,  and  granted  one  of  these  to  each  individual  in 
full  propriety.  Althoughthey  \verestillrequired  to  devote  a  great 
portion  of  their  labour  to  the  public,  yet  a  sudden  change  was 
made  in  the  appearance  and  habits  of* the  colony.  Industry  ad 
vanced  with  rapid  strides,  and  the  colonists  were  no  mure  fear 
ful  of  wanting  bread,  either  for  themselves  or  the  emigrants 
who  came  annually  from  England.  Early  in  the  year  1614, 
Sir  Thomas  Gates  returned  to  England,  leaving  the  govern 
ment  again  with  Sir  Thomas  Dale.  In  161 5,  fifty  acres  of  land 
were  alloled  to  each  individual,  which  was  actually  laid  olf  and 
delivered  to  the  persons  having  titles  to  them, who  were  per 
mitted  toexercifaover  them,  in  such  a  manner  as  was  agreea 
ble  themselves,  all  the  rights  of  ownership.  About  the  same 
time  tobacco  was  first  cultivated  in  Virginia. 

This  plant  was  detested  by  the  king,  who  used  all  his  influ 
ence  to  prevent  its  use.  He  even  wrote  a  pamphlet  against  it 
which  he  styled  the  counter  blast.  It  was  discountenanced  by 
the  leading  members  of  parliament,  and  also  by  the  company, 
who  issued  edicts  against  its  cultivation.  And  although  on  a 
first  experiment  it  was  unpleasent  in  its  taste,  and  disagreeable 
in  its  effects,  it  surmounted  all  difficulties,  and  has,  by  an  un 
accountable  caprice,  been  brought  into  general  use,  and  be- 
cocne  one  of  the  most  considerable  staples  of  America. 

In  the  spring  of  1616,  Sir  Thomas  Dale  sailed  for  England, 
having  placed  the  government  in  the  hands  of  George  Yeardly, 
his  deputy,  who  after  a  very  lax  administration  of  one  year,  was 
succeeded,  in  May  1617,  by  Captain  Argal,  who  had  been  ap 
pointed  deputy  governor  by  the  company.  He  was  a  man  of 
great  talents  and  energy  of  mind,  but  selfish,  haughty,  and  ty 
rannical.  He  provided  with  ability,  for  the  wants  of  the  colony. 
Martial  law  was  continued  during  a  season  of  peace,  ar,d  Mr. 
Brewstcr,  who  was  tried  under  this  arbitrary  system  !or  con 
temptuous  words  spoken  against  the  governor,  was  sentenced 
to  suffer  death.  A  respite  of  execution  was  with  difficulty  ob 
tained,  and  on  an  appeal  to  the  council  in  England,  the  sen 
tence  was  reversed.  While  martial  law  was,  according  to 
S*ith,  the  common  law  of  the  land,  the  deputy  governor  seems 
to  have  been  the  sole  legislator.  His  edicts  mark  the  severity 
of  his  rule,  but  some  of  them  evince  an  attention  to  the  public 
safety.  He  ordered  that  merchandise  should  be  sold  at  the  ad- 
rance  price  of  25  per  cent,  and  tobacco  taken  in  payment  at 
the  rate  of  three  shillings  per  pound,  under  the  penalty  of  three 
year's  servitude  to  the  company  ;  that  no  person  should  traffic 
with  the  Indians,  or  teach  them  the  use  of  fire  arms,  under  pain 
of  death ;  that  no  person  should  hunt  deer  or  hogs  without  leave 


24  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

from  the  governor;  that  no  person  should  shoot,  unless  in  his 
own  defence,  until  a  new  supply  of  ammunition  arrived,  on  pain 
of  a  year's  personal  service  ;  that  no  one  should  go  on  board  the 
ships  without  the  governor's  leave  ;  that  every  person  should 
go  to  church  on  Sundays,  under  the  penalty  of  slavery  during 
that  present  week,  for  the  first  offence;  a  month  for  the  second, 
and  a  year  for  the  third.  The  rigour  of  this  administration 
necessarily  excited  much  discontent,  and  the  complaints  of  the 
Virginians  at  length  made  their  way  to  the  company.  Lord 
Delawar,  being1  now  dead,  Mr.  Yeardly  was  appointed"  captain 
general,  with  instructions  to  examine  with  attention  the  wants 
of  the  people,  and  to  redress  them. 

The  new  governor  arrived  in  April,  1619,  and  soon  after,  to 
the  inexpTessible  joy  of  the  inhabitants,  declared  his  intentions 
to  convoke  a  colonial  assembly.  This  is  an  important  era  in  the 
history  of  Virginia.  Heretofore,  all  legislative  authority  had 
been  exercised,  either  by  the  corporation  in  England,  or  by 
their  officers  in  this  country.  The  people,  either  personally  or 
by  their  representatives,  had  no  voice  in  the  government  of 
themselves,  and  their  most  important  concerns  were  decided  by 
persons  unacquainted  with  their  situation,  and  always  posses 
sing  interests  different  from  theirs.  This  first  assembly  met 
at  Jamestown,  on  the  19th  of  June,  1619.  The  colony  was  not 
then  divided  into  counties,  and  the  members  were  elected  by 
the  different  boroughs,  amounting  to  seven  in  number.  The 
assembly,  composed  of  the  governor,  the  council,  and  burgesses, 
met  together  in  one  apartment,  and  there  debated  all  matters 
thought  conducive  to  the  general  welfare.  The  laws  then 
enacted,  which  it  is  believed  are  no  longer  extant,  were  trans 
mitted  to  England  for  the  approbation  of  the  treasurer  and 
company,  and  were  said  to  have  been  judiciously  formed.  The 
emigrations  from  England  continued  to  be  very  considerable, 
and  were  made  at  great  expense  to  the  company  ;  but  as  yet 
few  females  had  ever  crossed  the  Atlantic.  Men  without  wives 
could  not  contemplate  Virginia  as  a  place  of  permanent  resi 
dence,  and  proposed,  after  amassing  some  wealth,  to  return  to 
their  native  land.  To  put  an  end  to  a  mode  of  thinking  in  its 
effects  so  ruinous  to  the  colony,  it  was  proposed  to  send  out  100 
maids  as  wives  for  the  colony.  90  young;  girls  were  transported 
in  the  beginning  of  the  year  1620,  and  60  more  in  the  subse 
quent  year.  They  were  immediately  disposed  of  to  the  young 
planters.  The  price  of  a  wife  was  estimated  first  at  one  hun 
dred  and  afterwards,  atone  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  of  tobac 
co  ;  then  selling  at  three  shillings  per  pound  :  and  a  debt  so 
contracted,  wos  made  of  greater  dignity,  than  any  other.  The 
education  of  the  children  was  likewise  attended  to,  and  several 

ps  were  taken  towards  founding-  a  college,  afterwards  com- 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  25 

pletely  established  by  William  and  Mary.  About  the  same 
time,  the  company  received  orders  from  the  king  to  transport  to 
Virginia  100  idle  and  dissolute  persons  then  in  custody  of  the 
Knight  Marshal.  These  men,  dispersed  through  the  colony,  be 
came  a  useful  and  acceptable  addition  of  labourers,  and  were  the 
first  convicts  transported  to  America. 


CHAPTER  III. 

From,  the  embarkation  of  the  Plymouth  Company,  to  the  close  of 
the  Pequot  War. 

We  have  seen  with  what  slow  and  difficult  steps,  the  first,  or 
southern  colony,  although  supported  by  individuals  of  great 
wealth,  and  influence  in  the  nation,  advanced  to  a  firm  and  se- 
c  ure  establishment.  Let  us  now  employ  our  attention  in  view 
ing  the  establishment  of  the  Plymouth  Company.  King-  James 
first  granted  Letters  Patent  to  this  company,  in  1606,  to  pos 
sess  all  the  lands  in  America,  lying  between  34  and  45  degrees 
of  North  latitude.  They  applied  for  leave  to  go  under  the  roy 
al  sanction,  but  were  refused.  At  length  they  obtained  permis 
sion  from  the  Virginia  company  to  make  a  settlement  near  the 
mouth  of  Hudson  river.  It  was  resolved  that  part  of  the  con 
gregation  should  remove  first,  and  the  remaining  part  with  their 
pastor  after  the  new  settlement  had  commenced.  This  produ 
ced  a  scene  at  parting,  not  to  be  described.  They  took  their 
leave  of  one  another,  which  proved  to  be  their  last  leave,  with 
many  of  them.  They  sailed  from  Holland  to  Southampton,  in 
England,  where  they  met  the  other  ships,  and  their  friends  who 
were  to  accompany  them  from  England  in  July  1620. 

On  the  fifth  of  August  they  sailed  from  Southampton,  but  on 
account  of  bad  weather  and  the  Jeakiness  of  one  of  their  ves 
sels,  they  were  obliged  twice  to  put  back.  The  poorer  vessel 
they  were  compelled  to  leave,  while  as  many  as  could  be  accom 
modated,  one  hundred  and  one  persons  of  the  adventurers,  en 
tered  on  board  the  other  ship,  and  took  their  last  leave  of  the 
land  of  their  fathers,  on  the  sixth  of  September.  Called  to  go 
out  into  a  place  which  they  should  after  receive  for  an  inheri 
tance,  they  obeyed  ;  and  they  went  out,  not  knowing  whither 
they  went. 

3 


26  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

After  a  tedious  voyage,  safely  housed  in  the  ark  which  God 
in  his  providence  had  directed  them  to  prepare,  protected  by 
him  who  directs  the  storm,  on  the  tenth  of  November,  they  ar 
rived  at  Cape  Cod.  The  Dutch,  intending  to  keep  possession  of 
Hudson's  River,  had  bribed  the  ship  master  to  carry  these  ad 
venturers  so  far  northward,  that  they  should  not  find  their  in 
tended  place  of  residence.  They  had  found  land,  and  it  was  too 
late  in  the  season  to  put  to  sea  a^ain  ;  they  were  in  good  har 
bour  but  on  a  most  barren  and  inhospitable  shore. 

On  their  arrival,  they  stepped  upon  the  strand,  and  with  ben 
ded  knees  gave  thanks  to  God  who  had  preserved  his  church  in 
the  ark,  who  had  preserved  their  number  entire,  and  brought 
(hem  in  safety  to  those  unhallowed  shores.  Being  without 
the  limits  of  their  patent,  as  to  civil  government,  they  were 
in  a  state  of  nature.  They  therefore  procured  and  signed  a 
civil  compact,  by  which  they  severally  bound  themselves  to  be 
obedient  to  all  ordinances  made  by  (he  body,  acknowledging 
(he  King  of  Great  Britain  to  be  their  lawful  sovereign.  They 
say  in  the  preamble,  ''Having  undertaken  for  the  glory  of  God, 
and  advancement  of  the  Christain  Faith,  and  honour  of  our  king 
and  country,  a  voyage  to  plant  the  first  colony  in  the  northern 
parts  of  Virginia,  do  by  these  presents,"  &c.  This  instrument 
was  executed  on  board  their  ship  on  the  eleventh  of  November. 
Mr.  John  Carver,  a  man  of  distinguished  abilities  and  eminent 
piety,  was  chosen  their  governor. 

The  prospects  now  before  them  were  such  as  to  appal  any 
other  than  our  fathers.  In  a  most  howling  wilderness,  inhab 
ited  by  pagan  savages  and  wild  beasts,  a  dreary  winter  ap 
proaching,  no  shelter  from  the  tempest,  and,  as  yet,  no  place  of 
abode.  They  had  one  resting  place,  and  that  was  all.  Their 
trust  was  in  him  who  hath  said  to  his  chosen,  The  eternal  God 
is  thy  refuge,  and  underneath  are  the  everlasting  arms ;  and  hk 
shall  thrust  out  the  enemy  from  before  thee,  andshall  say,  destroy 
them. 

After  several  unsuccessful  attempts  to  find  a  convenient 
place  for  their  residence,  a  party  sent  out  for  discovery,  enter 
ed  the  harbour  of  Plymouth.  In  a  severe  storm  on  a  Decem 
ber  night,  having  with  their  little  barque,  narrowly  escaped  a 
shipwreck,  (hey  were  cast  upon  an  island  in  the  harbor.  This 
was  on  Friday  night.  The  next,  day  tney  dried  their  clothes, 
concluding-  to  remain  on  this  little  island,  till  after  the  Sabbath. 
This  little  band,  about,  twenty  in  number,  observed  the  next  day 
BS  a  Sabbath,  which  was  the  first  Sabbath  ever  observed  in  a 
religious  manner,  on  the  New-England  shore.  Having  exam 
ined  the  harbor,  they  returned  to  the  ship,  which  weighed  an 
chor  and  brought  in  their  consecrated  cargo  in  safety.  Here 
these  pious  pilgrims  landed  on  the  twenty-second  of  Decem 
ber,  1620,  They  crimed  the  place  Plymouth,  the-  name  of  the 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  27 

town  from  which  they  last  sailed  in  England.  They  now  had 
a  country  and  a  home,  but  they  had  a  better  country  on  high. 

They  had  now  to  contend  with  the  inclement  seasons,  with 
innumerable  privations,  in  a  constant  fear  of  a  savage  foe.  But 
God  had  prepared  their  way  before  them.  A  desolating 
plague,  which  prevailed  among  the  natives  about  three  years 
before,  had  nearly  depopulated  those  parts  of  the  country.  On 
this  account,  they  received  very  little  molestation  from  the  sav 
ages  for  many  years.  Had  they  been  carried  to  Hudson's  Riv 
er,  according*  "to  their  intention,  where  the  savages  were  nu 
merous,  there  is  much  reason  to  believe  the  little  colony  would 
have  been  cut  oii.  Infinite  wisdom  directed  their  course  to 
their  prepared  habitation.  We  have  heard  with  our  ears,  O 
God,  out  fathers  have  told  us,  how  thou  didst  drive  out  the 
heathen  with  thy  hand,  and  planted  them. 

The  severities  of  the  season,  their  unwholesome-food,  and 
their  incessant  labours,  brought  upon  this  little  ilock  a  general 
and  very  mortal  sickness,  so  that  forty-six  of  their  number  died 
before  the  opening  of  the  ensuing  spring.  Of  those  wno  survi 
ved  the  most  had  been  severely  sick.  Who  can  contemplate 
this  little  band,  in  an  uncultivated  wilderness,  with  no  promise 
of  support  from  their  mother  country,  exposed  to  the  inclement 
ekiesof  a  dreary  winter,  with  scanty  supplies  of  food,  utterly 
unskilled  and  destitute  of  the  means  for  the  cultivation  of  a  new 
country,  with  no  security  for  future  harvests  ;  surrounded  with 
a  savage  enemy  whose  seats  and  prowess  they  cou'd  not  know  ; 
visited  TV i 111  a  raging  disease,  committing,  at  times,  two  or  three 
in  a  "day  to.  the  grave  ;  of  the  living  scarcely  enough  who  had 
strength  to  perform  the  rites  of  sepulture  ; — without  despon 
dency,  firmly  determined  to  abide  the  just  appointments  of 
Heaven,  and  not  admire  a  virtue  which  the  religion  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  alone  can  furnish,  and  a  patriotism  to  which  the  canon 
ized  heroes  of  Rome  could  never  attain.  Had  their  object  been 
to  obtain  a  property,  for  themselves  and  for  their  posterity,  or 
to  obtain  a  name  among  the  heroes  of  enterprize,  they  had  sunk 
under  their  sufferings.  Their  souls  were  strengthened  with 
other  prospects.  They  confided  in  the  wisdom  of  Heaven  ; 
they  firmly  believed  that  the  Most  High  would  here  plant  and 
maintain  his  church  ;  that  he  would  make  the  American  wil 
derness  like  Eden,  and  her  desert  like  the  garden  of  the  Lord. 
Buoyed  up  by  faith,  strengthened  by  the  promises,  obstacles 
vanished  before  them.  They  knew  God  had  often  led  his 
church  into  the  wilderness,  but  he  had  never  forsaken  her.  He 
raised  up  the  righteous  man  from  the  east,  brought  him  to  a 
strange  country,  the  Canaanite  was  then  in  the  land,  but  he 
gave  them  as  the  dast  to  his  sword,  and  as  driven  stubble  tc 
i;is  how. 


28  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

On  the  fifth  of  April  after  their  arrival,  the  Plymouth  Com 
pany  were  called  to  mourn  the  loss  of  their  excellent  gover 
nor,  and  a  deacon  of  the  church,  Mr,  Carver.  Mr.  Bradford, 
a  gentleman  of  distinguished  worth,  was  chosen  to  succeed 
him,  and  excepting  four  years,  he  was  annually  elecled  to  the 
office  till  his  death,  in  1657.  A  little  before  the  death  of  Mr. 
Carver,  the  Indian  Sachem,  Massasoit,  came  into  Plymouth  in 
a  friendly  manner,  and  entered  into  a  treaty  of  friendship  with 
the  Colony,  which  he  observed  inviolably  till  his  death.  He 
was  father  of  the  famous  Sachem,  King  Philip. 

After  the  first  desolating  sickness,  the  people  of  Plymouth 
were,  generally,  very  healthy,  and  the  most  of  the  first  plan 
ters  who  survived  that  epidemic,  lived  to  old  age.  Their  priva 
tions,  however,  and  their  sufferings,  inseparable  from  the 
circumstances  of  their  situation,  were  great  in  the  extreme. 
Their  property  was,  principally,  held  in  common  stock  for  the 
support  of  the  whole.  And  the  wants  of  the  few  first  years, 
consumed  the  most  of  their  store.  Through  fear  of  the  na 
tives,  having  received  some  threatening  intimations  from  some 
of  the  tribes,  they  were  necessitated  to  erect  a  fort,  to  empale 
their  whole  village,  and  to  keep  a  constant  guard. — In  their 
excursions  to  find  a  proper  place  for  settlement,  while  their 
ship  lay  at  the  Cape,  they  found  about  ten  bushels  of  Indian 
corn  which  had  been  buried,  for  which  they  afterwards  paid 
the  owners,  which  helped  to  preserve  their  lives  the  first  win 
ter,  and  afford  them  seed  for  planting  in  the  ensuing  spring. 
Some  friendly  Indians  taught  them  the  manner  of  raising  their 
corn,  but  their  crop  was  very  unequal  to  their  necessities.  Mr. 
Hutchinson  is  of  opinion  that  no  English  grain  was  raised  in 
the  colony  previous  to  the  year  1633  ;  when  a  few  ears  of  rye 
were  produced.  The  first  domestic  cattle  were  brought  to  the 
colony  in  1624,  previous  to  which,  they  had  none  for  milk  or 
labour.  The  most  credible  historians  affirm  that  these  pil 
grims  subsisted  in  repeated  instances,  for  days  and  weeks  to 
gether  without  bread,  feeding  upon  the  wild  nuts  of  the  woods, 
and  shell-fish.  Their  difficulties  for  clothing  were  equally 
great.  Some  of  the  ancient  writers  intimate,  that  the  great 
mortality  in  the  first  winter  appears  to  have  been  the  means, 
under  a  wise  Providence,  of  preserving  the  colony  from  perish 
ing  by  famine. 

The  second  summer  after  their  arrival,  the  settlement  was 
threatened  with  a  famine  by  a  severe  drought.  From  the  third 
week  in  May  to  the  middle  of  July,  there  was  no  rain.  Their 
corn,  for  which  they  had  made  their  inmost  exertions,  withered 
under  the  heat  of  a  scorching  sun,  the  greater  part  of  it  ap 
peared  irrecoverably  lost.  The  Indians,  seeing  their  pros 
pects,  observed  they  would  soon  be  subdued  by  famine,  when 


THE  UNITED   STATES.  oof 

they  should  find  them  an  easy  prey.  A  public  Fast  was  ap 
pointed  and  observed  with  great  solemnity.  The  morning  and 
most  of  the  day  was  clear  and  hot,  but,  towards  evening,  the 
clouds  collected,  and  like  the  gracious  influences  of  God,  the 
rain  descended  in  moderate,  yet  copious  showers.  This 
revived  their  expiring  crop,  and  produced  a  plentiful  harvest. 
After  which  they  observed  a  day  of  public  Thanksgiving.  I 
believe  this  to  be  the  origin  of  our  annual  Thanksgivings. 
This  event  made  an  astonishing  impression  on  the  minds  of  the 
Natives,  who  saw  and  acknowledged  that  the  God  of  Christians 
was  great,,  and  good,  and  a  hearer  of  prayer.* 

In  the  autumn  of  16-21,  the  plantation  received  an  accession 
of  settlers,  of  about  thirty-five,  of  tiieir  friends  from  Holland. — 
In  the  year  16-25,  their  venerable  and  beloved  Psstor,  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Robinson,  died  at  Leyden,  in  the  fiftieth  year  of  his  age. 
He  was  thus  prevented  irom  ever  seeing  his  much  loved  Amer 
ican  church.  After  his  death,  (he  most  of  his  congregation 
came  over  to  Plymouth. 

Trie  Planters  who  first  came  to  Plymouth  were  accompanied 
by  Mr.  William  Brewster,  a  Ruling  Elder  in  the  church,  who 
supplied,  in  a  good  degree,  the  absence  of  their  Pastor.  He 
was  a  man  of  abilities  and  learning,  having  been  liberally  edu 
cated  at  the  University  of  Cambridge,  and  of  great  piety.  Be 
ing  an  able  and  useful  preacher,  he  served  the  congregation  in 
that  capacity  the  greater  part  of  the  time  till  his  death,  about 
twenty-three  years  after  the  first  settlement.  The  congrega 
tion,  however,  enjoyed  the  labours  of  other  ministers  during 
this  period. 

This  little  colony  continued  for  many  years  in  harmony,  and 
were,  perhaps,  as  eminent  as  any  people  which  have  appeared 
in  modern  time,  for  continning  stedfasily  in  the  apostles'  doc 
trine  and  fellowship,- an!  in  breaking,  of  bread,  and  in  prayers. 

LIFE  OF  REV.  JOHN  ROBINeOX,- 

That  we  may  be  enabled  to  form  a  correct  opinion  of  the 
venerable  founders  ofthe  New-England  Colonies,  it  is  necessa 
ry  for  us  to  have  a  more  distinct  view  of  those  individual?, 
whose  virtues  and  services  rendered  them  conspicuous,  than  can 
be  taken  from  a  general  iiistory  of  events.  Though  sensible 
that  the  task  is  arduous,  and  the  subject  worthy  of  the  la 
bours  ofthe  ablest  Biographer ;  under  the  persuasion  that  some 
account  ofthe  characters  of  those  great  and  good  men,  whom 
we  love  to  denominate  our  forefathers,  will  be  acceptable  to  my 
readers,  the  work  will  be  attempted. 

*See  Morton,  and  other;. 


30  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

Of  the  early  settlements  of  New-Engiand,  the  Colony  o? 
Plymouth,  the  first  in  standing,  led  the  way  in  the  establish 
ment  of  the  most  important  civil  and  religious  institutions. — 
The  fathers  of  that  colony,  therefore,  for  their  zeal  and  inde 
fatigable  labours,  will  always  be  held  in  the  most  grateful  re 
membrance  ;  while  their  practical  wisdom  and  rational  piety 
can  never  cease  to  be  revered.  The  eminent  characters  of 
that  colony,  may,  very  justly,  be  the  subject  of  our  first  atten 
tion. 

The  most  distinguished  person  of  that  extraordinary  compa 
ny,  who  made  the  settlement  of  Plymouth,  and  commenced  the 
first  colony  which  in  its  early  state  had  the  appearance  of  per 
manency,  within  the  present  limits  of  the  United  States,  was 
their  venerable  minister,  the  Rev.  John  Robinson.  Through 
the  interesting  vicissitudes  of  about  twenty  years,  he  was  their 
leader,  their  shield,  and  the  only  common  bond  which  gave  a 
unity  to  all  their  pursuits. 

Mr.  Robinson  was  born  in  the  cast  of  England,  about  the 
year  1575.  Possessed  of  a  strong  and  discriminating  mind,  un 
der  the  advantages  of  a  liberal  education,  he  made  an  early  and 
distinguished  progress  in  those  branches  of  science  which  were 
the  principal  subjects  of  learning  in  that  day.  Having  been 
early  inducted  into  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  he  applied 
with  great  diligence  to  the  study  of  the  Scriptures,  and  to  the 
constitution  and  character  of  the  national  church.  Of  that 
church  he  was  a  member,  ha\ing  received  episcopal  ordination, 
and  was  settled  over  a  small  congregation  near  Yarmouth.  Ho 
entered  upon  the  work  of  the  ministry  about  the  time  when  the 
debates  between  the  advocates  of  high  episcopacy  and  the  Pu 
ritans,  managed  by  those  able  champions  Whitgift  and  Cart- 
wright,  were  carried  on  with  the  utmost  vigour!  The  minds 
of  all  men  were  affected  with  those  discussions,  and  such  as 
were  of  an  inquisitive  turn,  necessarily  examined  the  subjects 
which  so  greatly  agitated  the  nation.  From  a  careful  atten 
tion  to  the  existing  order  of  the  religious  establishment,  Mr- 
Robinson  became  convinced  tlat  many  of  the  ordinances  and 
ceremonies  of  the  church  were  unsupported  by  divine  precept, 
and  inconsistent  with  the  word  of  God.  Finding  that  rites  of 
human  invention  were  maintained  and  enforced  with  as  much 
pertinacity  as  any  of  the  express  precepts  or  ordinances  of 
Christ,  that  he  was  denied  the  privilege  of  conscientious  omis 
sion  of  forms  andceremonies  confessedly  unessential,  Mr.  Rob 
inson  determined,  at  the  hazard  of  all  temporal  good,  to  sepa 
rate  from  the  established  church. 

About  the  year  1580,  a  sect  of  violent  separatists  arose  in 
England,  the  principal  leader  of  whom,  was  Robert  Brown, 
from  whom  the  sect  was  denominated  Brownists.  These  ab- 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  31 

sofutely  disowned  the  Church  of  England  as  a  church  of  Christ, 
and  held  it  to  be  unlawful  to  hold  any  communion  with  that 
church.  Mr.  Robinson,  on  a  discovery  of  the  numerous  fac 
titious  rites  which  are  imposed  by  the  church,  of  arbitrary 
measures  and  high  usurpations  of  the  hierarchy,  fell  into  the 
same  mistaken  sentiments,  and  connected  himself  with  the 
Brownists.  The  sentiments  which  he  embraced  and  publicly 
maintained,  were  generally  adopted  by  his  congregation.  En 
lightened  by  his  luminous  mind,  allured  by  his  ardent  piety,  at 
tached  by  his  unfeigned  worth,  the  congregation  ever  adhered 
to  their  faithful,  beloved  pastor.  Mr.  Robinson  published  some 
small  tracts  in  vindication  of  the  lawfulness  of  separation,  and 
in  opposition  to  many  of  the  ordinances  of  the  ecclesiastical 
establishment.  Many  of  the  Browtiisls,  unable  to  endure  the 
persecuting  zeal  of  Archbishop  Whitgift  and  his  successor  Ban 
croft, fled  to  Holland  and  set  up  several  churches.  Those  chur 
ches  enjoyed  the  labours  of  several  excellent  divines,  whose 
names  are  still  eminent  in  the  depar  iments  ofdivinityand  science. 

Mr.  Robinson  and  his  people  made  many  efforts  to  enjoy  and 
perform  the  pure  worship  and  ordinances  of  the  gospel,  in  a 
private  manner,  without  giving  offence  to  those  who  sought  to 
enforce  a  general  uniformity.  But  t:,e  zeal'of  the  ecclesiasti 
cal  courts,  and  the  vigilance  of  the  pursuivants  rendering  this 
impracticable,  they  were  compelled  to  look  ior  an  asylum  in 
foreign  countries.  The  removal  of  Mr.  Robinson  and  his  con 
gregation  to  Amsterdam,,  in  the  year  1607  ;  and  in  the  year 
following,  to  Leydun,  has  been  particul  uly  described. 

Mr.  Robinson  was  a  man  of  an  independent  mind,  who  made 
truth  and  duty  his  great  object^  of  pursuit,  and  was  not  to  be 
governed  by  the  prejudices  of  a  sect.  On  a  more  near  ac 
quaintance  with  the  principles  and  practices  of  the  Brownists 
than  he  could  obtain  in  his  native  country,  aided  by  the  light  of 
the  holy  Scriptures  and  an  intercourse  W:th  some  eminent  Pu 
ritan  divines-,  he  became  sensible  of  the  unreasonable  bio-otry 
and  many  errors  of  the  Brownists,  and  undertook  to  eifect  a 
reformation  in  their  sentiments  and  churches.  In  this  impor 
tant  undertaking,  he  was  eminently  successful.  Many  of  the 
Brownists  gradually  came  into  his  sentiments,  and,  that  they 
might  be  distinguished  from  those  who  tenaciously  adhered  to 
the  sentiments  of  Brown,  and  went  even  greater  lengths  in 
error,  they  were  distinguished  by  the  name  of  Indeper-.dcnti. — 
The  leading  principles  on  which  Mr.  Robinson's  church  in 
Ley  den  was  established,  was  these  : — They  acknowledged  the 
doctrinal  Articles  of  the  Church  of  England  to  contain  the  es 
sential  doctrines  of  the  gospel ;  they  held  that,  that  was  a  true 
church  of  Christ,  and,  as  such,  to  be  venerated  and  esteemed  ; 
that  every  individual  church  had  received  authority  from  Christ 


32  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

to  enjoy  all  (he  privileges,  to  exercise  all  the  rights,  which  lie 
has  appointed  for  his  visible  people;  and  that  such  a  church  is 
not  amenable  to  any  external  or  superior  ecclesiastical  au 
thority.  They  held  a  cordial  communion  with  the  reformed 
churches  of  Holland,  with  the  churches  of  Geneva,  with  the 
French  Protestants  who  were  regulated  by  the  Walloon  con 
fession, and  with  the  mast  of  the  reformed  churches,  they 
agreed  in  the  essential  principles  of  doctrine  and  practice.  They 
held  it  lawful  to  unite  with  the  church  of  England  in  Christian 
intercourse  and  divine  worship,  but  not  to  commune  with  them 
in  their  then  existing  state,  in  sealing  ordinances.  This  state 
ment  is  made  from  a  confession  of  faith  and  a  general  account 
of  that  first  Independent  church,  drawn  by  Mr.  Robinson,  with 
great  ability  and  learning,  and  published  at  Leyden  in  Latin,  in 
the  year  1619.  It  is  entitled  An  Apology  for  the  English  exiles 
who  are  vulgarly  called  Brownist/i.  In  this  confession  it  is  sta 
ted,  "  We  hold  the  Reformed  Churches  to  be  true  and  genu 
ine,  we  profess  communion  with  them  in  the  sacraments  of 
God,  and,  as  far  as  we  are  able,  cultivate  their  fellowship." — 
Dr.  Mosheirn  observes,  "  Instead  of  differing  from  all  other 
Christian  societies;  it  may  rather  be  said  of  the  Independents, 
that  they  were  perfectly  agreed  with  by  far  the  greatest  part 
of  the  reformed  churches."  The  religions  sentiments,  in  doc 
trine  and  practice,  which  were  received  by  Mr.  Robinson's 
church  at  Leyden,  under  the  instruction  of  that  great  man,  and 
afterwards  brought  to  America,  were  remarkably  coincident 
with  those  which  have  been  so  ably  vindicated  by  Dr.  Hop 
kins  in  his  incomparable  System  ;  a  work  which  will  be  ad 
mired  in  the  latest  periods  of  the  church,  notwithstanding  the 
censures  it  now  receives  from  many  by  whom  it  was  never 
read.  The  sentiments  of  Mr.  Robinson  which  have  been  men 
tioned,  which  were  adopted  by  his  people,  afford  a  satisfactory 
reason  for  an  extraordinary  remark  of  that  ac'ite  historian,  Mr. 
Hume.  He  says,  of  the  Independents,  "  Of  all  Christian  sects 
this  was  the  first,  which  during  its  prosperity,  as  well  as  its 
adveisity,  always  adopted  the  principle  of  toleration." 

At  the  lime  that  Mr.  Robinson  removed  to  Leyden,  the  cele 
brated  Arminius  was  professor  of  divinity  in  the  eminent  uni 
versity  of  that  city,  and  publicly  inculcated  his  peculiar  reli 
gious  sentiments.  After  his  death  in  1609,  he  was  succeeded 
in  the  divinity  chair  by  Episcopius,  who  maintained  the  reli 
gious  sentiments  of  his  predecessor  with  great  ability  and 
learning.  An  occurrence  during  his  professorate,  deserves  a 
particular  mention  in  this  place.  It  is  related  in  an  historical 
tract  of  Governor  Bradford.  "  Episcopius,  the  Armenian  pro 
fessor,  put  forth  his  best  strength  and  set  forth  sundry  theses, 
which  by  public  dispute  he  would  defend  against  all  men.— 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  3.3 

Xo\v,  Poliander,  the  other  professor,  and  the  chief  preachers  of 
the  city  desired  Mr.  Robinson  to  dispute  against  him  ;  but  he 
was  loth,  being  a  stranger  ;  yet  the  other  diJ  importune  him 
and  told  him  that  such  was  the  abilities  aud  nimbleness  of  the 
adversary  that  the  truth  would  sulfor  if  he  did  not  help  them  ; 
so  that  he  condescended,  and  prepared  himself  against  the  time;, 
and  when  the  day  came,  the  Lord  did  so  help  to  defend  the 
truth  and  foil  his  adversary  as  he  p'it  him  to  an  apparent  non 
plus  in  this  p;reat  and  public  audience,  and  so  he  did  a  second 
and  a  third  tune  upon  such  like  occasions,  which  procured  him 
much  honour  and  respect." 

Mr.  Robinson  appears  to  have  had  no  less  influence  with  his 
people  in  the  regulation  of  their  m>ral  conduct,  than  in  the  di 
rection  of  their  religious  sentiments.  A  little  previous  to  their 
removal  to  America,  the  Magistrates  of  the  city  of  Leyden,  in  a 
public  address  to  the  members  of  the  French  church  in  that 
city,  observe,  "  These  English  have  lived  among  us  these 
twelve  years,  and  ye(.  we  never  had  any  suit  or  accusation  come 
against  anv  of  them  ;  but  your  strifes  and  quarrels  are  continu 
al." 

The  plan  of  a  removal  to  America,  projected  by  the  congre 
gation  at  Leyden,  met  with  the  cordial  approbation  of  their  re 
vered  Pastor.  He  considered  the  reasons  for  a  removal  suf 
ficient,  and  resolved  to  accompany  his  beloved  flock  to  the 
western  wilderness.  After  attending  to  the  nature  of  the  ne 
cessary  preparations,  it  was  found  that  the  whole  company  could 
not  remove  at  one  time,  and  it  was  agreed  thafc  the  Pastor 
should  attend  the  greater  number.  At  the  time  of  the  first  em 
igration,  the  greater  number  remained  in  Holland,  with  whom 
Mr.  Robinson  continued.  He  remained,  however,  in  the  full 
expectation  of  removing  with  the  residue  of  his  people,  to 
America.  This  confident  expectation  was  never  relinquished 
till  his  death. 

When  the  first  emigrants  were  prepared  for  their   embarka 
tion,  the  congregation  observed,  with  great  solemnity,  a  day  of 
fasting  and  prayer.     After  preaching  from  Ezra  viii.  21.     Mr. 
Robinson  addressed  the  adventurers  in  the  following  manner  : 
u  BRETHREN, 

tk  We  are  now  quickly  to  part  from  one  another,  and 
whether  I  may  ever  live  to  see  your  faces  on  earth  any  more, 
the  God  of  Heaven  only  knows  ;  but  whether  the  Lord  has 
appointed  that  or  no,  I  charge  3*ou  before  God  and  his  blessed 
angels,  that  you  follow  rne  no  farther  than  you  have  seen  me 
follow  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

"  If  God  reveal  any  thing  to  you  by  any  other  instrument  of 
his,  be  as  ready  to  receive  it  as  ever  you  were  to  receive  any 
truth  by  my  ministry  ;  for  I  am  verily  persuaded,  the  Lord  has 


34  UNIVERSAL    HISTORY   OF 

more  truth  yet  to  break  :  <)rth  out  of  his  holy  word.  For  my 
part,  I  cannot  sufficiently  bewail  the  condition  of  the  reformed 
churches,  who  are  come  to  a  period  in  religion, .and  will  go  at 
present  no  farther  than  (lie  instruments  or.'  their  reformation. 
The  Lutherans  cannot  be  drawn  to  go  beyond  what  Luther 
saw;  whatever  part  of  his  will  our  God  has  revealed  to  Cal 
vin,  they  will  rather  die  than  embrace  it  ;  and  the  Calvinists, 
you  see,  stick  fast  where  they  were  left  by  that  great  man  of. 
God,  who  yet  saw  not  all  things. 

"  This  is  a  misery  much  to  be  lamented,  for  though  they  were 
burning  and  shining  lights  in  their  times,  yet  they  penetrated  not 
into  the  whole  counsel  of  God,  but  were  they  now  living  would 
be  as  willingto  embrace  further  light  as  that  which  they  first  re 
ceived.  I  beseech  you  remember,  it  is  an  article  of  your  church 
covenant,  that  you  be  ready  to  receive  whatever  truth  shall  be 
made  known  to  you  from  the  written  word  of  God.  Kernember 
that,  and  every  other  article  of  your  sacred  covenant.  Eut  I  must 
herevvithall  exhort  you  to  take  heed  what  you  receive  as  truth, 
examine  it,  consider  it,  and  compare  it  with  other  scriptures  of 
truth,  before  you  receive  it  ;  for  it  is  not  possible  the  Christian 
world  should  come  so  lately  out  of  such  thick  anti-christian 
darkness,  and  that  perfection  of  knowledge  should  break  forth 
at  once. 

ki  I  must  also  advise  you  to  abandon,  avoid,  and  shake  off  the 
name  of  Brownist  ;  it  is  a  mere  nick-name,  and  a  brand  for  the 
making  religion,  and  the  professor  of  it,  odious  to  the  Christian 
world.5"  Uitfothis  end,  I  should  be  extremely  glad,  if  some 
godly  minisier  would  go  with  you,  or  come  to  you,  before  you 
can  have  any  company.  For  there  will  be  no  difference  be 
tween  the  unconforruable  ministers  of  England  and  you,  when 
you  come  Lothe  practice  of  evangelical  ordinances  out  of  the 
Kingdom.  And  I  would  wish  you,  by  all  means,  to  close  with 
the  godly  people  of  England ;  study  union  v\iih  them  in  all 
things,  wherein  you  can  have  it  without  sin,  rather  than  in  the 
least  measure  to  affect  a  division  or  separation  from  them. — 
Neither  would  I  have  you  loth  to  take  another  Pastor  beside 
myself;  inasmuch  as  a  rlock  that  hath  two  Shepherds,  is  not 
thereby  endangered,  but  secured."  This  judicious  address 
was  closed  with  a  most  affectionate  farewell. 

TiS-  company  who  were  to  sail  for  America,  being  composed 
of  the  younger  part  of  the  congregation,  Mr.  Robinson  and 
their  elder  brethren  accompanied  them  to  Delfthaven,  where 

*Had  Judge  Marshall  been  favoured  with  sufficient  time  for  the 
compilation  of  his  History,  he  would  not  have  stated  that  the  first 
settlers  of  Plymouth  were  Browuists. 


I 

THE   UNITED  STATES.  35 

they  embarked,  July  2d,  1620.  Having  spent  the  preceding 
night  in  Christian  converse  and  social  worship,  in  the  morning, 
after  exchanging1  the  endearments  of  a  rrutual  affection,  which 
nothing-  less  than  common  suffering's  in  a  strange  land  could 
have  produced,  the  beloved  Pastor  kneeled  down  on  the  sea 
shore,  and,  with  a  fervent,  prayer,  committed  the  adventurers 
to  the  care  and  mercy  of  heaven.  The  pilgrims  stepped  on 
board,  he  srave  thorn  his  blessing. — that  voice  to  which  they 
had  always  listened  wilh  delight,  they  were  not  to  hoar  again, 
till  they  hear  it  in  the  heavenly  praises  of  redeeming  love. 

The  emigrants  were  to  make  some  stay  in  England,  before 
their  final  depaiQTre  for  the  western  continent.  After  they  had 
sailed  from  Holland,  Mr.  Robinson  wrote  and  sent  to  them  a 
most,  affectionate  and  judicious  pastoral  latter,  which  was  pre 
served  by  them  with  the  tendsrest  remembrance,  and  was  of 
great  benefit  to  them  through  the  residue  of  their  lives.  IP. 
this,  he  counselled  them,  above  all  things  else  to  make  their 
peace  with  God  and  their  own  consciences,  by  a  sincere  repen 
tance  of  ail  sin,  and  a  life  of  faithful  obedience  to  the  divine 
commands.  As  the  next  most  important  duty,  he  exhorted 
them  to  live  in  peace  with  one  another.  To  be  very  cautious 
of  giving  offence,  and  equally  cautions  of  indulging  an  irritable 
temper,  whereby  they  would  be  liable  to  take  offence  from  oth 
ers.  He  observes,  "  In  my  own  experience,  few  or  none  have 
been  found  that  sooner  give  offence,  than  those  that  easily  take 
it  ;  neither  have  they  ever  proved  sound  and  profitable  mem- 
society,  who  have  nourished  this  touchy  humour."  He 
•h  great  earnestness,  against  the  indulgence  of 
a  private  selfish  spirit,  whereby  any  one  should  be  seeking1,  ex 
clusively,  his  own  personal  interest.  He  reminds  them  that 
they  are  the  house  of  God,  and  cautions  them  not  to  be  shaken 
with  unprofitable  novelties  and  innovations. 

For  a  few  succeeding  years,  Mr.  Robinson  continued  with 
the  part  of  his  congregation  remaining  in  Holland,  enioyirgthe 
utmost  confidence  of  his  own  people,  and  rising  consini: 
the  esteem  and  affection  of  all  to  whom  he  was  knovn.  In 
and  1623.  small  companies  of  emigrants  removed  from  the 
congregation  to  join  their  friends  in  Plymouth.  So  many  ob 
stacles  were  thrown  in  the  way  of  the  emigration  of  the  prin 
cipal  part  of  the  company,  by  the  Plymouth  company  in  Eng 
land,  who  liked  not  the  religious  sentiments  of  the  Puritans, 
that  their  removal,  the  o!  ject  of  their  earnest  and  constant 
hope,  was  delayed  from  year  to  year. 

In  the  year  1025,  the  "providence  of  God  ca=t  a  sudden  gloom 
upon  all  their  prospects,  by  removing  their  beloved  pa=tor  to  his 
eternal  rest.  This  event,  which  threw  the  company  in  both 
continents  into  the  deepest  mourning,  was  coramunica'ed  to 


36  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

Plymouth  in  a  letter  from  Leyden,  of  which  the  folllowing  is  an 
extract ;  "  It  has  pleased  the  Lord  to  take  out  of  this  vale  of 
tears,  your  and  our  loving  pastor,  Mr.  Robinson.  He  fell 
sick,  Saturday  morning1,  Feb.  22d,  next  day  taught  us  twice, 
on  the  week  grew  weaker  every  day,  feeling  little  or  no  sen 
sible  pain  to  the  last.  Departed  this  life  the  first  of  March. 
Had  a  continual  ague.  All  his  friends  came  freely  to  him. 
And  if  prayers,  tears  or  means  could  have  saved  his  life,  he  had 
not  gone  hence.  We  will  still  hold  close  in  peace,  wishing  that 
you  and  we  were  together."  He  died  in  the  fiftieth  year  of 
his  age. 

Mr.  Robinson  was  a  man  of  great  dignity  of  manners,  of  a 
very  grave  deportment,  and  possessed  in  an  eminent  degree, 
that  solemn  piety  which  was  characteristic  of  the  distinguished 
Puritans  of  his  time.  He  had  a  singular  talent  at  securing  the 
affections  and  commanding  the  minds  of  men.  Very  few  of  his 
friends  or  followers  ever  forsook  him,  for  every  additional 
knowledge  of  his  character  increased  their  attachment  and 
confidence.  Such  was  his  acquaintance  with  the  human  char 
acter  and  such  his  knowledge  of  truth,  that  he  seldom  failed 
of  the  accomplishment  of  his  purposes.  He  possessed  the 
rarest  talent  in  polemical  writers,  a  candour  of  mind,  which  al 
ways  bowed  to  the  force  of  truth.  Sensible  of  his  own  imper 
fections,  he  believed  that  much  additional  light  respecting  di 
vine  truth  remained  in  the  sacred  volume,  to  be  sought  .out 
hereafter,  by  those  that  fear  the  Lord.  I  apprehend  that  the 
history  of  the  church  furnishes  not  another  instance  in  which 
the  founder  of  an  extensive  religious  denomination  has  deliver 
ed  such  sentiments  as  we  have  in  Mr.  Robinson's  farewell  ad 
dress  to  the  emigrants  for  America.  He  requires  them  not  to 
make  his  opinion  their  standard,  but  to  be  always  ready  to  re 
ceive  the  truth  which  God  in  mercy  should  lay  before  them. 
And  expresses  his  confidence  that  much  remains  to  be  exhibit 
ed. 

A  certain  Mr.  Jacob,  an  English  divine,  compelled  like  many 
others  to  leave  his  own  country,  after  residing-  several  years  in 
Holland,  fully  imbibed  the  sentiments  of  Mr.  Robinson,  return 
ed  to  England  in  16 1C,  and  established  the  first  independent 
church  in  that  country.  In  a  few  years  they  increased  to  a 
great  number.  The  venerable  Synod  who  composed  the  Sa 
voy  confession'in  1658,  which  has  since  been  acknowledged  by 
conventions  of  the  churches  in  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut, 
were  Independents. 

An  English  historian,  who  was  a  great  enemy  to  all  Non 
conformists,  observes,  "•  Mr.  Robinson  was  a  man  of  excellent 
parts,  and  the  most  learned,  polished,  and  modest  spirit  that  ev 
er  separated  from  the  church  of  England.''  The  apologies  he 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  37 

wrote  were  very  handsome.  By  his  connexion  with  Dr. 
Ames  and  Mr.  Parker,  he  was  brought  to  a  greater  moderation 
than  he  at  first  expressed.  He  ruined  the  rigid  separation  by 
allowing  the  lawfulness  of  communing  with  the  church  of  Eng 
land  in  the  word  and  piayer,  though  not  in  the  sacraments  and 
discipline.* 

Such  was  the  man,  who  under  God,  laid  the  foundation  of  the 
eldest  church  in  the  United  States. 

LIFE  OF  GOVERNOR  CARVER. 

The  first  governor  of  the  colony  of  Plymouth,  was  Mr.  John 
Carver.  During  the  period  of  the  residence  of  Mr.  Robinson 
and  his  congregation  at  Leyden,  Mr.  Carver  was  much  distin 
guished  for  his  talents  and  piety  ;  and  for  his  activity,  zeal,  and 
fidelity  in  the  service  of  the  company.  In  early  life,  his  heart 
•was,  apparently,  sanctified  bv  the  grace  of  God,  whic ..  was 
evinced  by  a  life  faithfully  devoted  to  the  service  of  the  Re 
deemer.  He  possessed  a  gra\e  rather  than  an  ardent  tempr 
yet  he  deliberately  embraced  the  religious  sentiirents  of  the  Pu 
ritans,  and  resolved  to  submit  to  the  privations  of  worldly  good, 
rather  than  neglect  or  abuse  the  religion  of  a  divine  Saviour, 
by  being  subject  to  ordinance?,  after  the  ccirrr.anilments  and 
doctrines  of  men.  He  rejoiced  in  the  privileges  of  a  British  sub 
ject,  and  remembered  with  humble  gratitude  the  great  things 
which  God  had  done  for  his  church  in  his  native  land,  in  deliv 
ering  it  from  the  bondage  of  papal  superstiiion  and  tyranny. — 
Yet  perceiving  that  the  national  church,  pertinaciously  retain 
ed  errors,  after  they  had  been  most  clearly  pointed  out  by  af 
fectionate  and  faithful  friends  ;  that  it  persisted  in  enforcing, 
by  penal  sanction?,  rites  of  human  prescription,  unwarranted,  if 
not  inconsistent  with  the  gospel  of.  Christ;  tiiat  it  would  allow 

*Dr.  Ames,  here  mentioned,  was  the  celebrated  Professor  at  the 
Uuiversily  of  Franquer,  and  author  of  the  Medulla  Theoioijise.  He 
was  one  that  fled  from  the  persecution  of  Archbishop  Bancroft,  anil 
wund  an  honourable  asylum  in  Holland.  H  s  friendship  was  of 
foeat  advantage  to  Mr.  Robinson,  a*  he  helped  to  convince  h;ni  of 
gre  errors  of  the  Brownists,  and  afforded  him  much  assistance  in  es- 
thblishing1  the  order  of  the  Leyden  church.  He  intended  to  have  re- 
taoved  to  America,  but  was  prevented  by  death,  wiich  took  place  in 
1633.  His  widow  and  children  removed  to  New-England,  and 
brought  his  library,  which  was  of  jp-eat  value.  Ii  -i  possessed  a  very 
acute  mind  and  an  extensive  learning,  and  wns  ae  of  the  ablest 
ministers  of  his  time  in  opposition  to  the  sentiment?  of  the  Armin- 
ians.  A  lineal  descendant  from  him,  was  that  greut  ornament  of  our 
country,  the  late  Fisher  Ames. 
4 


38  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

no  indulgence  to  those  who  begged  an  exemption  from  those 
burdensome  services,  while  they  would  accord  with  all  essen 
tial  ordinances;  he  felt  himself  called,  in  the  Providence  of 
God,  to  bear  a  temperate  testimony  against  such  impositions, 
and  to  exercise  those  rights  which  Christ  has  given  to  all  his 
people.  Mindful  of  the  high  precept,  Stand  fast  in  the  liberty 
wherewith  Christ  has  made  us  free,  and  be  not  entangled  again 
with  the  yoke  of  bondage  ;  and  knowing  that  no  human  author 
ity  was  paramount  ;  believing-  that  many  of  the  ordinances  to 
which  his  obedience  was  required  were  an  abridgement  of  this 
liberty,  he  felt  authorized  and  bound  to  follow  Christ  alone. 
Thus  he  became  one  of  the  pillars,  one  of  the  most  able  and 
faithful  supporters  of  Mr.  Robinson's  church. 

Mr.  Carver  was  a  deacon  of  the  church  in  Leyden,  and  re 
tained  the  office  after  his  removal  to  America.  As  an  officer 
in  the  church,  by  his  clear  understanding,  his  sound  judgment, 
his  exemplary  character,  he  possessed  much  influence,  and  waa 
eminently  useful  in  the  performance  of  his  many  important  du 
ties.  When  we  contemplate  this  little  church  standing  alone 
in  the  Christian  world,  with  no  friends  or  sister  churches  for  its 
support,  without  the  enjoyment  of  any  ecclesiastical  constitu 
tion,  without  any  ancient  and  established  usages  for  their  regu 
lation,  the  passions  of  individuals  highly  excited  by  oppression; 
while  we  adore  the  merciful  care  of  the  great  head  of  the  church, 
in  preserving  them  from  ruin,  we  cannot  but  admire  the  wis 
dom,  the  prudence,  the  moderation,  of  the  officers  and  influen 
tial  members,  by  whose  instrumentality  they  were  thus  preser 
ved,  and  led  to  such  an  eminent  purity  of  gospel  order.  The 
experience  of  two  centuries  has  discovered  no  material  defects 
in  the  system  which  they  established.  And  no  churches  in  the 
Christian  world,  according  (o  their  number,  have,  more  emi 
nently,  enjoyed  the  divine  blessing,  than  those  which  have  been 
regulated  according  to  their  model. 

When  the  congregation  at  Leyden  had  become  generally  dis 
posed  to  a  removal  from  Holland,  Mr.  Carver  and  Mr.  Cushman 
were  deputed  to  make  application  to  the  Virginia  company  in 
England,  for  some  lands  within  their  Patent,  for  the  establish 
ment  of  a  colony.  On  account  of  the  many  prejudices  existing 
in  England  against  this  congregation,  their  first  application 
was  unsuccessful.  The  year  following,  1619,  they  obtained 
the  grant.  Mr.  Carver,  for  his  education,  his  discretion,  his 
gravity  of  manners,  and  his  activity  in  the  business  of  the  emi 
gration,  was  looked  upon  by  the  adventurers  as  the  proper  per 
son  for  their  chief  magistrate,  before  their  departure  from  Hol 
land. 

The  emigrants  arrived  in  the  harbor  of  Cape  Cod,  November 
9th,  1620.  A  political  compact,  which  was  their  civil  constitu- 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  39 

tion  for  many  years,  was  soon  formed,  and  on  the  eleventh  of 
that  month,  was  signed  by  forty-one  persons,  all  the  males  who 
were  of  age.  Mr.  Carver  is  the  first  signer,  and  immediately 
after  was  unanimously  chosen  Governor.  No  other  magistrate 
was  appointed.  In  the  perils  and  distresses  of  the  succeeding 
winter,  all  that  could  be  done  by  the  benevolent  man,  by  the 
illustrious  patriot,  by  the  exemplary  Christian,  was  performed 
by  Mr.  Carver,  to  support  the  settlers  under  their  accumulated 
Bufferings,  to  preserve  them  from  despondency,  to  provide  every 
practical  relief,  and  to  preserve  the  colony  from  ruin.  He 
cheerfully  submitted  to  an  equal  share  of  privation  and  labour, 
afforded  every  possible  assistance  to  the  sick,  counselled  the 
dying,  and  comforted  the  mournful  survivors  ;  his  serene  coun 
tenance  inspired  confidence  in  every  beholder,  his  humble  sub 
mission  directed  all  souls  to  God.  During  the  most  of  the  pe 
riod  of  the  raginrr  sickness,  in  which  one  half  of  the  whole  num 
ber  died,  Gov.  Carver  enjoyed  ?ood  health,  and  was  able  to 
discharge  the  important  duties  devolving  i,pon  him. 

The  Governor  having  been  informed  that  Massasoit,  a  pow 
erful  Indian  Sachem,  not  far  distant  from  the  plantation,  was 
amicably  disposed  towards  the  settlement,  sent  him  a  message, 
inviting  him  to  an  interview  at  Plymouth.  He  accordingly 
came  with  great  state,  attended  by  a  numerous  train,  and  on 
the  22d  of  March,  halted  at  the  entrance  of  the  town.  The 
Governor,  attended  by  a  file  of  armed  men,  advanced  to  meet 
the  royal  savage,  and  after  much  ceremony,  they  proceeded  to 
a  friendly  interview.  The  colony,  very  providentially,  were 
provided  with  an  Indian  interpreter.  After  partaking-  of  an  en 
tertainment  provided  for  that  purpose,  "  they  entered  into  a 
perpetual  league  of  friendship,  commerce,  and  mutual  defence.'' 
The  natives  manifested  the  highest  satisfaction  at  the  scene.  It 
was  an  event  of  uncommon  interest,  as  the  existence  of  the  col 
ony  depended  on  the  issue.  This  treaty  was  maintained  invio 
lably  by  MassosoiMill  his  death  ;  and  was  the  foundation  of  that 
peculiar  harmony  which  long  subsisted  between  the  Plymouth 
Colony  and  the  natives. 

The  negotiation  of  this  important  treaty  was  the  last  pub 
lic  service  performed  by  their  worthy  Governor.  On  the  fifth 
of  April,  1621,  after  a  short  illness,  a  mysterious  providence  re 
moved  him  from  the  afflicted  colony,  whose  cup  of  sorrows  now 
was  full — removed  him  to  the  rest  which  remaineth  for  the  peo 
ple  of  God.  Notwithstanding  the  low  state  of  the  colony,  they 
gave  their  lamented  Governor  all  the  funeral  honors  which  were 
in  their  power  to  bestow  :  the  men  were  under  arms,  and  fired 
several  volleys  over  his  grave. 

Mr.  Carver  was  a  man  of  singular  piety,  of  great  fortitude 
and  public  spirit ;  grave  ia  his  manners,  yet  open,  condescend- 


40  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

ing,  and  affectionate.  He  possessed  a  good  estate,  the  greater 
part  of  which  was  spent  in  the  service  of  the  colony.  As  a 
magistrate,  he  was  firm,  upright,  and  watchful;  as  a  Christian, 
humble  and  exemplary.  By  his  virtues,  he  was  endeared  to  all 
his  acquaintance,  but  especially,  to  the  infant  colony  of  which 
he  was  a  most  distinguished  ornament  and  support.  By  the  re 
moval  of  such  pillars,  God  taught  our  venerable  fathers  that  his 
Almighty  arm,  and  that  alone,  must  "  sustain  the  children 
of  his  love." 

Mr.  Carver's  wife,  who  was  distinguished  for  her  piety,  over 
come  with  grief,  died  about  six  weeks  after  her  husband. — > 
His  posterity  have  been  numerous  ana  respectable  in  the  Plym 
outh  colony,  and  distinguished  for  health  and  longevity.  One 
of  the  towns  in  the  county  of  Plymouth,  now  bears  his  name. 

LIFE  OF  GOVERNOR  BRADFORD. 

The  infant  colony  of  Plymouth,  after  the  decease  of  their  first 
Governor,  the  worthy  Mr.  Carver,  in  the  spring  of  the  year 
1621,  unanimously  elected  Mr.  William  Bradford  to  be  their 
chief  magistrate.  The  reflection  often  occurs,  to  every  atten 
tive  reader  of  history,  that  God,  in  his  infinite  wisdom,  always 
provides  illustrious  characters,  endued  with  all  requisite  qual 
ifications,  for  the  performance  of  the  extraordinary  services, 
which,  in  his  holy  providence,  he  designs  to  accomplish.  This 
thought  is  forcibly  illustrated  in  the  characters  of  Julius  Csesar, 
Columbus,  Luther,  Washington,  as  well  as  in  most  of  the  emi 
nent  actors  in  human  affairs.  In  the  character  of  the  man 
whose  life  is  now  to  be  given,  though  his  sphere  of  action  was 
less  extensive  than"that  of  most  of  the  heroes  of  history,  we  dis 
cover,  no  less  clearly,  the  special  operations  of  Divine  Provi 
dence,  in  providing  those  peculiar  qualifications  which  were  ne 
cessary  to  the  discharge  of  the  important  duties  which  he  waa 
called  to  perform.  And  as  every  mind  enlightened  with  re 
vealed  truth,  will  contemplate  all  human  characters  as  acting 
in  connexion  with  the  interests  of  the  church  of  God,  many  of 
the  fathers  of  New  England  will  be  considered  as  occupying 
more  important  places,  than  many  of  the  long-laboured  subjects 
of  historic  eulogy.  The  conquerors  of  the  world  have  aided 
the  interests  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom  by  destroying  its  ene 
mies;  but  its  humble,  faithful  friends,  have  ever  stood  as  pillars 
in  the  temple  of  God. 

Mr.  Bradford  may  be  said  to  have  been  the  most  eminent 
instrument  in  divine  Providence,  of  establishing  and  preserving 
the  first  colony  of  New-England,  and  the  first  church  of  the 
United  States.  He  was  a  native  of  Yorkshire  in  England,  born 
in  the  year  1588.  In  that  part  of  England,  the  people  were  at 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  41 

that  time,  exceedingly  destitute  of  religious  instruction,  and  the 
Scriptures  were  scarcely  known  among  them.     Just  emerging 
from  the  darkness  of  Romish  imposture,  the  practical  effects  of 
the  reformation  had  scarcely  begun  to  appear.  Mr.  Bradford  de 
scended  from  a  respectable  ancestry,   who  had  long    been  em 
ployed  in  the  business  of  husbandry.     He  enjoyed  a  competent 
inheritance  from  his  parents,  which,  in    consequence  of  their 
death,  fell  to  him  in  his  childhood.     The  care  of  his  education 
devolved  upon  his  grand-parents  ;  and  after  their  death,  upon  his 
uncles.     At  an  early  age,  a  loner  and  severe   sickness  had   the 
effect  of  turning  his  mind  to  the  truths  of  religion.     At  the  age 
of  twelve  years,  by  a  divine  blessmg  on  careful  reading- of  the 
Scriptures,  his  ;nind  became  deeply  impressed  with  the   reality 
of  divine  things,  and,   under  the  faithful   ministry  of  the  pious 
Mr.  Clifton,  he  became,  apparently,  a  subject  of  divine  grace. 
At  this  time,  he  formed  a  connexion  with  a  number  of  pious 
people  who  were   called    Professors.     These    were    Puritans, 
svho  found  the  ordinary  foims  of  the  religious  establishment  un 
satisfying  to  an  ardent  piety,  who  held  private  meeting's  for  re 
ligious  worship,  and  improvement,   but   were   the   subjects    of 
strong  popular   odium.      Naturally   of   a   studious  turn,  Mr. 
Bradford,  in  his  youth,  applied  himself  to  a  serious  investigation 
of  the  order  and  practices  of  the  religious  establishment,    care 
fully  comparing   its  various  ordinances  with  the  word  of  God. 
From  a  deliberate  and  prayerful  attention  to    this   subject,   he 
became  convinced  of  his  duty  to  separate  from   the  established 
church,  that  he  might  perform  the  duties  of  religion,  unembar 
rassed,  with  ordinances  of  human  invention.     Having  taken   a 
deliberate  resolution  to  this  effect,  he  soon   found  that  it     met 
with  the  decided  disapprobation  of  his   friends,  particularly  of 
his  uncles,  from  whom  he  received  severe  and  angry  reproach 
es.     To  these  he  made  the  following-  temperate  reply  :    "  Were 
I  like  to  endanger  my   life,  or  consume  my  estate  by   any   un 
godly  courses,  your  counsels  to  me   were    very   seasonable. — 
But  you  know  that    I  have   been  dilig-ent  and  provident  in  my 
calling,  and  desirous  not  only  to  augment  what  I  have,    but  to 
enjoy  it  in  your  company  ;  to  part  t'rorn  which,  will  be  as  great 
a  cross  as  can  beta!  me.     Nevertheless,   to  keep  a  good   con 
science,  and  walk  in  such  a  way  as  God  has  prescribed    in  his 
word,  is  a  thing    which  I  must  prefer  before  you  all,  and  above 
life  itself.     Wherefore,  since  it  is  for  a  good  cause  that   I  am 
like  to  suffer  the  disasters  which  you  lay  before  me,  you    have 
no  cause  to  be  either  angry  with  me,  or  sorry  for  me".     Yea,  I 
am  willing,  not  only,  to  part  with  every  thing  dear  to  me  in  this 
world  for  this  cause,  but  I  am  thankful  that  God  has  given  me 
an  heart  so  to  do,  and  will  accept  me  so  to  suffer  for  him."     He 
aow  saw  that  he  was  clearly  addressed  iu  the  providence  of 
4* 


42  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

God,  Get  thee  out  of  thy  country ,  and  from  thy  kindred^  and  from, 
thy  father's  house,  unto  a  land  that  I  will  shew  thee. — And  I  will 
bless  thee — and  thov  shall  be  a  blessing. 

At  the  age  of  eighteen  years,  Mr.  Bradford  left  the  place  of 
his  nativity,  and  connecting  himself  with  the  people  of  Mr. 
Robinson's  congregation,  was  one  of  the  first  company  who  en 
dured  so  many  sufferings  and  disasters  in  getting  to  Holland,  in 
the  year  1607.  He  there  served  as  an  apprentice  to  a  silk 
manufacturer,  till  he  became  of  age.  He  then  converted  his 
estate  in  England  into  money,  and  continued  in  the  same  em 
ployment.  Being,  however,  more  fond  of  study  than  business, 
and  improving  every  opportunity  to  increase  his  stock  of  sci 
ence  and  general  information,  his  employment  was  not  attend 
ed  with  great  success.  The  facilities  for  obtaining  extensive 
learning,  in  the  city  of  Leyden,  were  many,  and  they  were 
much  improved  by  Mr.  Bradford.  He  spoke  the  Dutch  and 
French  language  with  ease,  in  the  Latin  and  Greek  he  was  well 
skilled,  but  paid  more  particular  attention  to  the  Hebrew.  He 
often  observed,  *•'  I  would  see  with  my  own  eyes  the  ancient 
oracles  of  God,  in  their  native  beauty." 

At  the  time  of  the  projected  removal  of  Mr.  Roinson's  con 
gregation  to  America,  Mr.  Bradford  engaged  with  ardour  in  the 
important  enterprise.  He  was  one  of  the  first  company  of  em 
igrants,  who  arrived  on  the  American  coast  in  November,  1620. 
In  the  political  compact  which  was  formed  on  their  arrival,  Mr. 
Carver  is  the  first  subscriber,  and  Mr.  Bradford  is  the  second. 
At  the  time  of  the  landing  of  the  planters  at  Plymouth,  the  wife 
of  Mr.  Bradford,  to  whom  he  was  tenderly  attached,  fell  from 
the  vessel,  and  was  drowned  in  the  harbor.  In  the  distressing 
sickness  with  which  the  plantation  was  afflicted,  the  first  win 
ter,  he  was  a  sufferer.  His  disease  was  iong  and  severe,  and 
he  was  not  recovered  at  the  death  of  Mr.  Carver,  in  April.  He 
was  then,  however,  by  the  unanimous  suffrage  of  the  people, 
elected  their  governor  ;  and  he  retained  their  undiminished 
confidence  till  his  death. 

As  he  recovered  his  health,  and  began  to  contemplate  the 
weight  of  cares  devolving  upon  him,  the  innumerable  difficul 
ties  with  which  he  must  contend,  the  arduous  labours  that  were 
before  him,  the  many  dangers  in  which  he  must  be  involved; 
had  he  not  possessed  a  constancy  of  mind  equal  to  the  greatest 
patriots,  a  wisdom  and  prudence  seldom  equalled,  a  resource  in 
difficulties  adequate  to  every  emergency,  a  reliance  on  God 
steady  as  his  promises,  he  must  have  sunk  under  the  overwhelm 
ing  prospect.  He  was  the  chief  magistrate  of  a  feeble  peo 
ple  surrounded  with  many  enemies  ;  he  was  the  leader  of  a 
colony  in  an  uninhabited  wilderness,  without  any  prospect  of 
support  from  the  mother  country  ;  he  was  tUe  father  of  a  fami- 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  43 

ly  possessed  of  the  most  scanty  supplies,  by  innumerable  losses 
almost  wholly  dispirited.  But  he  had  that  hope  which  casts 
anchor  within  the  veil,  a  hold  which  never  yet  was  broken. 

In  the  early  part  of  his  administration,  Gov-  Bradford  took 
effectual  measures  to  secure  the  friendship  of  the  natives,  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  colony,  and  succeeded  in  a  remarkable  manner,  ia 
securing  their  confidence.  Another  measure  of  great  im 
portance  to  the  colony,  he  undertook  to  accomplish,  which 
required  the  exercise  of  all  his  skill  and  authority.  The  plant 
ation  was  com  nenced  on  the  principle  of  a  convntinity  of  prop 
erty.  The  Governor  soon  perceived  the  evils  of  this  state  of 
things,  and  notwithstanding  the  strong  attachment  to  such  a 
course  which  was  felt  by  many,  and  the  insidious  insinuations 
which  must  necessarily  fall  upon  any  ono  that  would  advocate 
a  division  of  a  common  property,  he  firmly  prosecuted  the  meas 
ure,  and  effected  a  division  to  such  an  extent  as  was  thought 
expedient.  In  the  year  1627,  a  further  distribution  of  the 
Jands  and  the  small  property  of  the  colony,  xvas  made  among  the 
planters. 

For  several  years  after  the  commencement  of  the  settlement, 
the  people  suffered  greatly  for  want  of  the  necessaries  of  life. 
Mr.  Bradford  cheerfully  submitedtoan  equal  share  of  privations 
and  labour,  living1,  several  time?,  some  weeks  in  succession, 
without  any  bread  ;  labouring  in  the  fields,  at  the  buildings,  at 
the  fortifications,  taking  part  in  the  watchings  which  were  of 
ten  maintained  for  a  security  against  a  surprise  from  insidious 
enemies.  When  any  came  to  complain  of  their  sufferings,  the 
readiness  which  he  manifested  to  be  an  equal  sharer  in  all  ne 
cessary  privations,  his  dignified  composure  in  the  greatest  dan 
gers,  his  cheerful  serenity  in  the  dirkest  times,  his  uniform  re 
liance  on  that  God  who  had  planted  them  in  a  land  not  sown, 
quieted,  if  they  could  not  relieve  every  mind.  And  in  these 
times  of  distress,  all  that  could  be  effected  by  the  most  active 
exertions,  by  persevering  labour  or  (bring  enterprise,  by  the 
most  watchful  prudence  or  sagacious  forethought,  was  done  by 
their  worthy  governor,  to  preserve  the  existence  of  the  colony, 
and  to  relieve  the  distresses  of  the  people.  Without  his  vigi 
lance  and  exertions,  it  would  seem  that  this  infant  colony,  like 
several  plantations  which  had  been  commenced  at  the  south 
ward,  would  have  been  broken  up,  and,  for  a  long  period,  all  at 
tempts  for  the  settlement  of  New-England  must  have  been 
discouraged.  But  he  was  prepared  for  the  work  appointed  for 
tiim  to  perform. 

The  early  character  and  circumstances  of  the  Plymouth  set 
tlement  were  such,  that  it  would  seem  no  person  could  have 
been  their  enemy.  They  were  weak  and  few,  struggling  with 
ivery  difficulty,  their  prospects  very  unpromising,  on  a  bleak. 


44  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

and  barren  shore,  surrounded  with  a  multitude  of  savages,  and 
eminently  distinguished  for  the  virtues  of  integrity,  justice,  and 
charity.  But  for  the  same  reason  that  the  faithfui  witnesses  of 
old  had  trials  of  cruel  mockings,  and  were  subjected  to  innu 
merable  sufferings,  these  humble  servants  of  God  could  not 
escape  the  insidious  designs  of  malignant  enemies.  Many  of 
their  savage  neighbours  ever  viewed  them  with  an  eye  of  hos 
tility,  waiting  a  favourable  opportunity  to  exterminate  the  colo 
ny.  But  these  were  not  the  most  dangerous  foes.  The  reli 
gious  order  of  the  church  and  colony  of  Plymouth  were  entirely 
different  from  the  determined  sentiments  of  the  civil  and  eccle 
siastical  government  of  England.  They  were  therefore  con 
stantly  watched  with  a  jealous  eye.  Their  small  consequence 
in  the  estimation  of  the  English  hierarchy,  seems  to  have  been 
the  great  reason,  under  the  favour  of  Heaven,  that  they  were  to 
such  a  degree  left  unmolested.  Some  vicious  characters  who 
came  from  tiio  mother  country,  hoping  to  obtain  a  consequence 
in  a  new  plantation  which  they -could  never  reach  in  their  na 
tive  land,  found  themselves  rejected  by  the  church  of  Plymouth, 
and  could  obtain  no  encouragement  from  the  government  of  the 
colony.  Some  of  these  returned  to  England  and  propagated 
with  malignant  zeal,  the  most  malicious  calumnies  against  the 
new  plantation.  To  counteract  the  effect  of  these  slanderous 
accusations,  required  all  the  skill,  all  the  address  and  fidelity  of 
the  governor.  The  English  government  declared  that  Mr. 
Robinson  professed  in  his  Apology,  that  they  accorded  with  the 
reformed  churches  on  the  continent.  They  were  accused  of 
substantial  deviations  from  those  principles.  Gov.  Bradford,  in 
a  very  able  memorial,  clearly  showed  that  they  agreed  with  tho 
reformed  churches  in  the  essential  particulars  of  faith  and  prac 
tice,  that  they  were  not  Brownists,  and  that  they  did  not  dis 
own  the  church  of  England  as  a  church  of  Christ.  These  ef 
forts  of  the  governor,  supported  by  the  known  purity  of  his 
character,  proved  successful. 

In  the  first  year  of  Mr.  Bradford's  administration,  the  Nar- 
raganset  Indians,  a  very  powerful  tribe,  sent  him  an  angry  mes 
sage,  threatening  to  make  war  upon  the  colony.  The  Gov 
ernor  sent  them  an  answer,  "  If  they  loved  war  rather  than 
peace,  they  might  begin  when  they  would  ;  the  colony  had 
done  them  no  wrono-,  and  did  not  fear  them,  nor  should  they 
find  them  unprovided."  By  this  well  timed  decision,  the  ene 
my  were  prevented  from  the  execution  of  their  hostile  attempts. 

In  the  year  1633,  Mr.  Edward  Winslow  was  chosen  the 
governor  of  the  colony;  being  solicited  by  Gov.  Bradford  to 
accept  of  the  office.  Mr.  Winslow  was  also  called  to  the  same 
trust  in  1636,  and  1644.  In  1634,  Mr.  Thomas  Prince  was 
elected  to  the  same  office.  In  all  of  I  hose  years,  Mr..  Bradford. 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  4i 

stands  first  among  the  Assistants.  He  held  the  office  of  gov 
ernor,  himself,  every  othes  year,  from  1621,  to  1657,  the  year 
of  his  death.  Such  an  instance  of  the  steadiness  of  a  popular 
annual  election,  in  a  new  settlement,  founded  in  principles  of 
the  purest  equality,  unsupported  by  any  established  usages, 
while  it  stands  as  a  prodigy  in  popular  governments,  declares 
more  for  the  character  of  the  individual,  than  can  be  done  by 
all  the  eloquence  of  historic  eulogy. 

In  the  latter  period  of  the  life  of  Gov.  Bradford,  we  find  an 
instance  of  disinterestedness,  not  exceeded  in  the  character  of 
Aristides/Cincinnatus,  or  Publicola.  The  patent  of  the  Colo 
ny  \vas  made  out  in  his  name,  "•  To  William  Bradford,  His  heirs, 
Associates,  and  Assigns."  With  such  an  authority?  he  pos 
sessed  every  opportunity  which  a  selfish  heart  could  desire. 
Cut  when  the  freemen  became  numerous,  and  several  new 
towns  were  established,  the  General  Court  desired  Mr.  Brad 
ford  to  transfer  the  patent,  with  all  its  privileges,  to  them  and 
their  successors.  With  their  request,  he  cheerfully  complied, 
confirming  tho  act  with  a  legal  instrument,  without  any  con 
sideration.  Notwithstanding  his  disinterestedness,  and  his 
long  employment  in  the  public  service,  and  though  he  spent  the 
most  of  his  paternal  estate  for  the  support  of  the  colony,  he 
was  much  prospered  in  his  individual  circumstances,  and  left  a 
good  estate  to  his  posterity. 

In  the  latter  part  of  his  life,  Gov.  Bradford  devoted  much 
of  his  time  to  study,  in  which  he  arrived  to  very  profitable  at 
tainments.  He  left  several  historical  pieces,  which,  judging 
from  those  parts  which  remain,  must  have  been  very  valuable  ; 
but  the  most  of  them  are  unfortunately  lost.  His  favourite 
study  was  Theblogv,  in  which  he  made  great  proficiency.  He 
was  well  versed  in  the  religious  controversies  of  his  time,  and 
was  an  able  advocate  for  truth. 

In  his  Chris.tian  character,  Mr.  Bradford  was  no  less  dis 
tinguished,  than  as  a  Magistrate,  and  the  founder  of  a  prosper 
ous  colony.  In  early  life,  he  became  a  subject  of  a  sanctifying 
grace.  His  religious  sentiments  were  formed  on  mature  re 
flection,  and  a  careful  examination  of  the  holy  Scriptures  as  the 
only  standard  of  truth.  His  opinions  on  gospel  documents,  and 
the  order  and  discipline  of  the  Christian  church,  were  such  as 
have  been  generally  maintained  by  the  New-England  church 
es.  During  the  lono-  destitute  state  of  the  Plymouth  church, 
the  wisdom  and  steadfastness  of  Gov.  Bradford  were  eminently 
instrumental  in  preserving  them  from  disorder,  and  from  a  de 
parture  from  the  truth."  He  often  assistEd  in  the  duties  of 
divine  worship,  in  public,  as  well  as  in  a  more  private  manner, 
when  deprived  of  the  iabours  a  minister.  He  was  a  faithful 
observer  of  the  private  dutie.3  of  the  Christian  character;  con- 


46  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

stant  in  the  services  of  religion;  grave  and  bumble  in  his  de 
portment  ;  yet  cheerful  and  singularly  uniform.  No  changes 
diverted  him  from  the  path  of  duty;  no  disappointments  shook 
his  confidence  in  God.  His  attainments  in  grace  were  eminent. 
For  several  months  preceding  his  death,  he  was  in  a  weak  and 
declining  slate,  from  which  he  was  convinced  he  should  not  re 
cover.  As  he  grew  worse,  contemplating-,  on  a  certain  night, 
the  character  and  truths  of  the  Redeemer,  his  soul  was  filled 
with  ecstatic  joy,  longing  to  be  with  Christ.  He  informed  his 
friends,  the  next  morning,  that  the  good  Spirit  of  God  had 
given  him  the  first  fruits  of  his  eternal  glory.  His  work  on 
earth  was  done,  his  soul  was  allied  to  the  church  in  heaven. 
The  day  following,  May  9th,  1657,  in  the  69th  year  of  his 
age,  he  slept  with  his  fathers. 

There  is  no  character  among  the  fathers  of  New-England, 
transmitted  to  us  as  more  unexceptionable,  than  that  of  Gov, 
Bradford.  For  thirty-six  years,  he  was  the  pillar  of  the  Ply 
mouth  Colony.  His  patriotism  was  ardent  and  incorruptible, 
without  haughtinebs  or  self-interest.  His  wisdom  was  practi 
cal,  enlightened  by  science,  and  guided  by  accurate  observation. 
His  care  embraced  all  objects  within  the  compass  of  his  duty, 
and  his  attention  escaped  none.  His  firmness  was  above  the 
reach  of  casualty  or  craft.  His  demeanor  always  inspired  con 
fidence,  and  he  could  ever  command  the  minds  of  men.  The 
virtues  of  his  private  life  were  no  less  conspicuous  than  those 
of  his  public  character.  For  these,  no  less  than  for  his  public 
services,  he  was  always  beloved.  He  possessed  a  perfect  com 
mand  of  himself.  We  find  no  record  of  any  hasty  or  rash 
measure  in  his  conduct,  or  of  any  passionate  speech  to  have 
fallen  from  him.  As  a  Christian,  he  was  meek  and  faithful, 
and  now  rests  in  the  inheritance  of  the  just.* 

The  illustrious  coadjutors  of  Gov.  Bradford,  who  united  with 
him  in  laying  the  foundation  of  the  Plymouth  Colony,  and  sup 
porting  through  the  first  age  the  work  which  they  had  reared, 
richly  deserve  the  tribute  of  historic  memorial.  Gov.  Wins- 
low  was  their  faithful  and  successful  agent  in  all  foreign 
embassies;  to  the  Indian  tribes,  and  to  the  parent  country. 
Gov.  Prince  was  a  judicious  statesman,  an  upright  magistrate, 
and  a  valuable  historian.  Capt.  Standish  was  their  undaunted 
hero,  who  led  all  their  military  expeditions,  not  less  skilled  in 
conduct  than  vigorous  in  action.  Their  worthy  Elder,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Brewster,  who,  through  modesty  declined  the  pasto 
ral  office,  distinguished  for  his  learning  and  piety,  performed 

*  A  silver  Cup,  an  armed  Chair,  with  several  other  articles, 
brought  by  Mr.  Bradford  from  England,  are  now  possessed  by  hi* 
descendants  in  Plymouth.. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  47 

the  ministerial  duties  for  many  years,  to  great  acceptance,  ever 
enjoying  the  confidence  and  the  attachment  of  the  people,  and 
rested  from  his  labours  in  a  good  old  age.  Though  it  would 
be  highly  pleasing  to  have  a  nearer  view  of  these  eminent 
fathers,  equally  illustrious  for  vigour  of  mind,  for  Christian 
piety,  and  eminent  usefulness,  in  our  present  historic  sketch, 
they  must  be  passed  \viih  the  bare  mention  of  their  nnmes,  and 
the  willing  tribute  of  grateful  remembrance. 

In  1621  ,theVirginia  company  passed  an  ordinance  establishing 
the  constitution  of  the  colony.  'This  provided  that  thenceforth 
there  should  be  two  supreme  councils  in  Virginia,  the  one  to  be 
called  the  council  of  state,  to  be  appointed  and  displaced  by  the 
treasurer  and  company,  and  to  assist  the  governor  with  advice 
on  executive  subjects ;  the  other  to  be  denominated  the  general 
assembly,  and  to  consist  of  the  governor,  the  council  and  two 
burgesses,  to  be  chosen  for  the  present  by  the  inhabitants  of 
every  town.  The  assembly  was  empowered  to  consult  and 
determine  on  matters  respecting  the  public  weal.  It  was  de 
clared  that  no  acts  passed  by  the  assembly  should  be  in  force 
until  confirmed  by  the  general  court  in  England,  and  the  ratifi 
cation  returned  under  its  seal,  and  that  on  the  other  hand  no 
order  of  the  general  court  should  bind  the  colony  until  assented 
to  by  the  assembly.  In  1622,  the  controversy  'which  had  for 
some  time  existed  between  the  crown  and  the  company  con- 
cering  the  importation  of  tobacco,  was  at  length  adjusted  by 
amicable  agreement.  The  king  had  demanded  high  duties  on 
that  article  while  he  admitted  its  importation  from  the  domini 
ons  of  Spain,  and  had  also  restrained  the  company  from  trans 
porting  it  directly  from  Virginia  to  their  warehouses  in 
Holland,  to  which  expedient,  his  exactions  had  driven  them. 
It  was  now  agreed  that  they  should  enjoy  the  sole  right  of 
importing  that  commodity  into  the  kingdom,  for  which  they 
should  pay  a  duty  of  nine-pence  per  pound,  in  lieu  of  all 
charges,  and  that  the  whole  productions  of  the  colony  should 
be  brought  to  England.  The  industry  of  the  colony  had  now 
greatly  increased.  At  peace  with  the  Indians,  their  settlements 
had  extended  not  only  along  the  banks  of  James  and  York 
rivers,  but  to  the  Rappahannoc,  and  even  to  tJie  Potovvmac. 
It  now  became  extremely  inconvenient  to  bring-  all  causes  to 
Jamestown  before  the  governor  and  council.  Thus  originated 
the  present  county  couits  of  Virginia.  In  this  year  the  cup  of 
prosperity  of  which  the  colony  now  began  to  taste,  was  dashed 
from  their  lips,  by  an  event  which  shook  to  iis  foundation,  and 
nearly  destroyed  the  colony.  In  the  year  1618,  Povvhatan,  the 
most  powerful  of  the  Indian  kings  in"  Virginia,  who  after  the 
marriage  of  his  daughter  to  Mr.  Rolfe,  had  remained  faithful 
to  the  English,  departed  this  life,  aud  was  succeeded  b/ 


48  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

Opechancanough,  a  bold  and  cunning  chief,  remarkable  for  his 
jealousy  and  hatred  of  the  new  settlers  ;  but  for  a  considera 
ble  time  the  general  peace  remained  undisturbed.  The  Indians 
were  furnished  with  fire  arm?,  and  taught  ihe  use  of  them  ; 
they  were  admitted  at  all  times  freely  into  the  habitations  of 
the  English,  as  harmless  visitants;  were  fed  at  their  tables,  and 
lodged  in  their  chambers.  The  22d  of  March  was  designated 
as  the  day  on  which  all  the  English  were  to  be  at  the  same 
instant  attacked.  Thus,  in  one  hour,  and  almost  at  the  same 
instant,  fell  347  men,  women  and  children.  The  massacre  would 
have  been  still  greater,  had  not  information  been  given  the  pre 
ceding  night,  to  a  Mr.  Pace,  by  an  Indian,  who  disclosed  to  him 
the  plot.  He  immediately  cat  ried  the  intelligence  to  James 
town,  and  the  alarm  was-  given,  to  some  of  the  nearest  settle 
ments,  which  were  thereby  saved. 

As  seon  as  intelligence  reached  England  of  these  calamities 
of  the  sufferers,  relief  was  ordered.  Arms  from  the  tower 
were  delivered  to  the  treasurer  and  company,  and  several  ves 
sels  were  immediately  despatched  with  articles  for  their  relief. 
While  the  Virginians  were  mourning  their  losses,  the  Plymouth 
company  began  to  experience  I  he  distress  of  famine.  By  the 
time  their  planting  was  finished,  1623.  iheir  provisions  were  so 
far  exhausted,  that  they  had  neither  bread  nor  corn,  for  three 
or  four  months.  A  drought  continued  from  May  until  some 
time  in  July.  Under  these  afflictions,  they  appointed  a  day  of 
fasting  and  prayer,  to  Immbie  themselves  before  God.  But  a 
plentiful  harvest  soon  followed,  which  was  noticed  by  a  day  of 
thanksgiving-. 

Mr.  White,  a  non-conformist  minister  at.  Dorchester,  who 
had  prevented  some  few  of  Ins  countrymen  who  had  settled 
around  the  bay  at  Massachusetts,  from  returning  to  England, 
by  his  assurances  of  procuring  them  relief  and  assistance, 
formed  by  great  exertions  an  association  of  several  gentlemen, 
who  had  imbibed  puritanical  opinions,  for  the  purpose  of  con 
ducting  thither  a  colony,  and  rendering  it  an  as)  him  from  the 
persecution  of  his  own  pei>u;isioo.  In  prosecution  of  iheir 
views,  a  treaty  was  -concluded  wnh  the  council  of  Plymouth, 
for  the  purchase  of  part  ofNtw  England  ;  and  that  corporation, 
in  March  1G27,  conveyed  to  Sir  Henry  Roswell  and  others,  all 
that  part  of  New  England  lying1  three  rr.iles  to  the  south  of 
Charles  River,  and  three  miles  north  of  Merrirnack  river,  and 
extending  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  south  sea.  A  small  number 
of  planters  and  servants  were  soon  afterwards  despatched  under 
Endicot,  a  deep  enthusiast,  who,  in  September,  1628,  laid  the 
foundation  of  Salem,  ihe  first  peirnanent  town  in  Massachu- 
•etts.  In  the  year  1629,  soon  after  the  organization  of  the 
company,  under  the  eauction  of  the  royal  charter,  they  resolv- 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  49 

«d  a  second  embarkation  for  their  new  colony,  to  support  the 
expenses  of  which,  it  was  resolved  that  every  person  who 
should  subscribe  fifty  pounds,  should  be  entitled  to  two  hun 
dred  acres  of  land,  as  the  first  dividend.  Five  ships  were  pro 
vided  for  the  purpose,  and  being  laden  with  cattle  and  other 
necessaries,  tor  the  supply  of  the  colony,  with  three  hundred 
persons,  men,  women  and  children,  they  sailed  from  the  Isle  of 
Wight,  in  May,  and  arrived  at  Salem  in  June,  where  they 
found  Endicot,  to  whom  they  brought  a  confirmation  of  his 
commission  as  governor.  The  colony  now  consisted  of  three 
hundred  persons,  of  whom  one  hundred  removed  and  settled 
the  town  of  Charlestown  ;  and  the  remainder  continued  at 
Salem.  Mr.  Husfginson  and  Mr.  Skelton,  distinguished  far 
their  learning  and  piety,  both  of  them,  resolved  to  lend  im 
portant  services  in  laying  the  foundation  of  the  American 
Church.  These  faithful  servants  of  Christ  cordially  engaged 
in  the  great  design  ;  they  embarked  with  the  second  party,  and 
arrived  at  Salem,  in  1629. 

Early  in  the  following  year,  John  Winthrop,  who  had  been 
appointed  governor,  and  Thomas  Dudley  deputy  governor,  with 
one  thousand  five  hundred  persons,  embarked  on  board  of 
seventeen  vessels  at  an  expense  of  upwards  of  twenty  thou 
sand  pound?,  and  arrived  at  Salem  in  July,  1630.  Dissatisfied 
with  this  situation,  they  explored  the  country  in  quest  of  a 
better  station,  and  settled  in  many  places  around  the  bay  ; 
and  laid  the  foundation  of  several  towns,  among  others  of 
Boston. 

On  the  arrival  of  Gov.  Winthrop,  in  July,  who  was  from 
that  time  to  his  death,  the  head  and  father  of  the  colony,  he 
found  the  plantation  in  a  suffering  state.  In  the  preceding 
autumn  the  colony  contained  about  three  hundred  inhabitants  ; 
eighty  of  them  died,  and  a  great  part  of  the  survivors  were  in 
a  weak,  sickly  state.  Their  supply  of  corn  was  not  sufficient 
for  more  than  a  fortnight,  and  their  provisions  nearly  exhaust 
ed.  Friday,  Febuary  6th,  was  appointed  as  a  day  of  fasting 
and  prayer  ;  but  on  the  fifth  of  Febuary,  a  ship  arrived  with 
provisions>  and  a  day  of  thanksgiving  was  appointed  by  the 
governor, 

The  succeeding  winter  commenced  in  December,  with  great 
severity  ;  few  of  the  houses  which  had  been  erected  were 
comfortable.  Unused  to  such  severities  of  climate,  the  people 
suffered  severely  from  the  cold.  Many  of  them  died  from  the 
cold.  On  the  opening  of  the  Spring  of  1631,  health  was 
generally  restored  in  the  settlements;  but  the  colony  was 
greatly  impoverished.  All  the  provisions  that  were  brought 
from  England,  were  purchased  at  a  very  high  rate.  By  the 
length  of  the  passage  and  the  severity  of  the  winter,  the  great- 
5 


50  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

er  part  of  their  cattle  died.  The  materials  for  building  and 
implements  of  labor  were  obtained  with  great  difficult)'  and 
expense.  This  year,  great  exertions  were  made  for  a  crop  of 
Indian  corn,  which  was  their  whole  dependance;  and  it  plea 
sed  God  to  give  them  an  abundant  harvest. 

In  the  commencement  of  all  the  individual  settlements,  the 
planters  were  mindful  of  their  great  errand  into  the  wilder 
ness;  and  directed  their  first  exertions  to  the  establishment  of 
the  church  of  Christ,  and  the  institution  of  the  gospel.  The 
ilrst  church  after  the  one  at  Salem  was  gathered  at  Charles- 
town,  August  27th,  1630.  «Soon  after  this,  a  church  was  or 
ganized  at  Dorchester.  The  next  was  at  Boston;  one  at 
Roxhury,  one  at  Lynn,  and  one  at  Watnrtown.  In  less  than 
two  years  from  the  organization  of  the  first  church  in  Salem, 
there  were  in  the  colony  seven  churches,  which  were  indeed 
golden  candlesticks. 

In  1633  came  over  Mr.  Hayncs,  afterwards  the  first  gover 
nor  of  Conrieclicut,  and  Mr.  Stone,  Mr.  Hooker  and  Mr. 
Cotton ;  three  of  the  most  eminent  lights  of  the  New  England 
churches* 

On  the  21st  of  February,  an  order  was  made  by  the  king  in 
council,  to  stop  the  ships  at  that  time  ready  to  sail,  freighted 
with  passengers  and  provisions  for  New  England.  But  this 
order  seems  never  to  have  been  strictly  executed,  as  the 
emigrations  still  continned,  without  any  sensible  diminution. 

To  the  religious  dissensions  which  distracted  Massachusetts, 
and  to  the  rigour  with  which  conformity  was  exacted,  is  in 
great  measure  to  be  attributed  the  first  settlement  of  the  other 
colonies  of  New  England.  As  early  as  1634,  Roger  Williams, 
a  very  popular  preacher  of  Salem,  who  had  refused  to  hold 
communion  with  the  church  at  Boston,  because  its  members 
refused  to  make  a  public  declaration  of  their  repentance  for 
having  held  communion  with  the  church  of  England,  during 
their  residence  in  that  country,  was  charged  with  many  ex 
ceptionable  tenets.  The  divines  of  Massachusetts  opposed 
Mr.  Williams  ;  he  was  accordingly  summoned  to  appear  be 
fore  the  genera!  court,  and  the  ministers  of  the  colony.  Mr. 
Hooker  was  appointed  to  dispute  with  him,  but,  being  unable 
to  change  his  sentiments,  it  was  decreed  by  (he  court,  arid 
npproved  by  the  ministers,  that  he  should  depart  out  of  this 
jurisdiction  within  six  weeks.  Many  of  his  disciples  followed 
him  into  exile  ;  and  travelling  south  until  they  passed  the  line 
of  Massachusetts,  they  purchased  a  tract  of  land  of  the  Nar- 
ragansetts,  then  a  powerful  tribe  of  Indians  ;  where,  in  1635, 
they  made  a  settlement,  to  which  they  gave  the  name  of  Pro 
vidence.  Having  fixed  their  place  of  residence,  they  entered 
into  a  voluntary  association,  and  framed  a  government,  com- 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  51 

posed  of  the  whole  body  of  freemen,  for  the  preservation  of 
peace,  and  the  making  of  such  laws  as  their  situation  might 
require.  They  created  a  church  after  the  manner  of  Massa 
chusetts,  by  collecting  a  religious  society;  but  as  one  of  the 
causes  of  their  migration,  had  been  the  tenet  that  all  were 
entitled  to  freedom  of  conscience  in  worship,  the  most  entire 
toleration  in  matters  of  religion  was  established. 

Williams  long  retained  his  authority.  He  employed  himself 
continually  in  acts  of  kindness;  affording  relief  to  the  distress 
ed,  and  an  asylum  to  the  persecuted.  It  was  not  long  aUer 
the  banishme'nt  of  Williams,  that  the  controversy  between 
those  who  maintained  the  covenant  of  works,  and  those  who 
maintained  the  covenant  of  grace,  divided  and  distracted 
Massachusetts.  This  controversy  having  been  decided  in  1637 
against  the  Antinoraians,  or  those  who  supported  the  covenant 
of  grace,  Mrs.  Hutchinson,  a  woman  of  deep  enthusiasm,  and 
the  leader  of  that  sect,  was  banished.  She  with  many  of  her 
disciples,  followed  the  steps  of  Williams,  r.'id  arrived  in  his 
neighbourhood.  They  purchased  a  tract  of  land  from  the  same 
tribe,  where  they  founded  Rhode  Island.  They  formed  a  simi 
lar  association,  and  adoptc  1  the  same  principles  of  toleration. 
They  afforded  protection  to  those  who  resorted  thither.  In 
consequence  of  this  conduct.,  the  Island  soon  became  so  popu 
lated  as  to  send  out  colonists  to  the  adjacent  shores. 

Let  me  now  call  the  attention  of  the  reader  to  the  settlement 
of  Connecticut.  The  first  discovery  of  the  country  of  Connec 
ticut  River,  was  made  by  the  enterprising  people  of  Plymouth, 
in  1633.  The  Plymouth  people  determined  to  undertake  the 
enterprise  at  their  own  risk.  Preparations  were  made  for 
erecting  a  trading  house,  and  establishing"  a  small  company 
upon  the  river.  In  the  mean  time  the  master  of  a  vessel  from 
Massachusetts,  who  was  trading  at  New  Netherlands,  shewed 
to  the  Dutch  rro\ernor.  the  connnis?'cn  the  English  bad  to  tradtf 
and  settle  in  Ne\v  Englard ;  and  th;^  :he  kin^  imd  granted  these 
parts  to  his  own  subjects  :  he  also  desired  that  the  Dutch  would 
not  build  in  Connecticut.  The  Dutch  governor  requested  that 
the  English  would  not  settle  in  Connecticut  until  the  affair 
should  be  determined  between  them.  This  appears  to  have 
been  a  piece  of  policy  i:  the  Dutch  governor,  to  keep  the 
English  back,  until  the  Dutch  had  got  a  firm  footing  upon 
the  river. 

In  September,  several  vessels  went  into  Connecticut  river,  to 
trade.  John  Oldham,  from  Dorchester,  with  a  few  men,  tra 
velled  through  Connecticut  to  view  the  country,  and  trade  with 
the  Indians.  He  found  that  the  Indian  hemp  grew  in  great 
abundance  in  the  meadows,  and  purchased  a  quantity  of  r 
which  upon  trial,  was  found  to  exceed  that  which  grew  in 


52  UNIVERSAL    HISTORY   OF 

England.  William  Holmes,  of  Plymouth,  with  his  company, 
having  prepared  a  frame  of  a  house,  and  boards  and  materials 
for  covering  it,  immediately  put  them  on  board  a  vessel,  and 
sailed  for  Connecticut.  When  he  came  into  the  river,  he 
found  that  the  Dutch  had  got  in  before  him,  and  made  a  light 
fort,  and  planted  two  pieces  of  cannon  at  the  mouth  of  the 
little  river,  since  called  Hartford.  The  Dutch  forbade  Holmes 
going  up  the  river,  stood  by  their  cannon,  and  ordered  him  to 
strike  his  colours,  or  they  would  fire  upon  him  ;  but  he  was  a 
man  of  spirit,  and  assured  them  that  he  had  a  commission  from 
the  governor  of  Plymouth,  to  go  up  the  river,  and  go  he  would. 
They  still  threatened,  but  he  proceeded,  landed  an  the  west 
side  of  the  river,  and  erected'  his  house,  a  little  below  the 
mouth  of  the  little  river  in  Windsor.  This  was  the  first  house 
erected  in  Connecticut.  It  was  covered  with  the  uimost  des 
patch,  and  well  fortified.  The  Sachems  who  were  original 
owners  of  the  soil,  had  been  driven  from  this  point  of  the  coun 
try,  by  the  Pequots,  and  were  now  carried  home  on  board 
Holmes'  vessel.  The  Dutch,  about  the  same  time,  erected  a 
trading  house  at  Hartford.  It  was  with  great  difficulty  that 
Holmes  and  his  company  erected  and  fortified  their  house,  and 
kept  it  afterwards.  The  Dutch,  before  the  Plymouth  people 
took  possession  of  the  river,  had  been  invited  to  trade  with 
them  at  Connecticut;  but  when  they  found  that  they  were 
preparing  for  a  settlement  there,  they  repented  of  the 'invita 
tion,  and  did  all  in  their  power  to  prevent  them.  On  the  8th  of 
June,  the  Dutch  purchased  about  twenty  acres  of  land  at 
Hartford,  of  a  Pequod  captain.  Of  this  the  Dutch  took  posses 
sion  ;  they  protested  against  Holmes,  the  builder  of  the  trading 
house.  Some  time  afterwards,  the  Dutch  governor  despatched 
a  reinforcement  from  fort  Amsterdam  to  Connecticut,  designing 
to  drive  Holmes  and  his  company  from  the  river.  A  band  of 
seventy  men  assaulted  the  Plymouth  house;  but  they  found  it 
too  well  fortified,  and  gave  up  their  design. 

In  November  and  December,  the  small  pox  raged  among  the 
Indians  ;  two  Sachems,  with  a  great  part  of  their  Indians,  died. 
When  their  own  people  forsook  them,  the  English,  who  lived 
near  them,  went  to  their  wigwams,  and  ministered  to  them. 
Some  families  spent  almost  their  whole  time  with  them.  One 
Englishman  buried  thirty  of  their  dead  in  one  day. 

In  1634,  at  a  meeting  of  the  General  Court,  in  September,  the 
people  of  Nevvtown  made  application  for  liberty  to  remove  to 
Connecticut  River.  Mr.  Hooker,  acting  as  principal  advocate 
for  the  people,  the  court  refused  to  give  their  consent ;  and  the 
design  was  given  over.  In  1635,  permission  was  granted,  on 
condition  that  the  new  settlement  should  continue  subject  to 
the  jurisdiction  of  Massachusetts.  The  people  of  Newtown, 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  53 

Dorchester,  and  Watertown,  now  began  to  prepare  for  their 
new  habitation.  In  the  course  of  the  season,  several  people 
went  to  Connecticut  river;  some  by  water,  some  through  the 
wilderness.  The  Dorchester  men  sat  down  at  Windsor,  near 
the  Plymouth  trading  house.  They  purchased  the  building  and 
land  owned  by  the  Plymouth  people.  The  people  from  New- 
town,  of  whom  but  few  removed  till  the  following  year,  settled 
at  Hartford.  The  Watertown  settlors  began  the  town  of 
Wethersfield.  In  1636,  about  one  hundred  persons,  men,  wo 
men  and  children,  led  by  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Hooker  and  Stone, 
together  with  their  horses,  cattle  and  swine,  commenced  their 
journey  through  the  wilderness  to  Connecticat  river.  They 
travelled  about  two  weeks,  on  foot  ;  during  which  time  they 
lived  upon  the  milk  of  their  cows.  By  the  25th  of  November, 
Connecticut  river  was  frozen  over  ;  heavy  falls  of  snow  suc 
ceeded,  and  the  season  was  very  severe.  Several  small  ves 
sels,  which  hid  been  laden  with  their  furniture  and  provisions, 
sailed  from  Boston,  and  were  wrecked  on  the  coast.  By  the 
last  of  November,  provision  began  to  fail  in  the  settlements 
on  the  river,  and  death  looked  them  sternly  in  the  face.  Thii- 
teen  in  one  company,  driven  by  hunger,  attempted  their  way 
in  this  severe  season.  In  passing  the  river,  one  of  their  com 
pany  fell  through  the  ice,  and  was  drowned,  the  other  twelve 
were  kept  from  perishing  by  the  Indians,  and  arrived  in  Mas 
sachusetts  in  ten  days.  Their  distress  was  so  great  that  by 
the  first  of  December  a  considerable  part  of  the  men  settlers 
were  obliged  to  abandon  their  habitations.  As  the  only  means 
of  preserving  their  lives,  about  seventy  persons,  men,  women 
and  children,  left  their  settlements,  and  went  down  the  river, 
in  hopes  of  meeting  with  their  provisions.  As  their  expecta 
tion  failed,  they  went  on  board  the  Rebecca  lying  near  the 
mouth  of  the  river.  This,  but  two  days  before,  was  frozen  in 
twenty  miles  up  the  river,  but  was  released  by  the  falling1  of  a 
small  rain,  and  reached  Boston  in  five  days.  Had  it  not  beea 
for  a  very  quick  passage,  the  people  must  have  perished.  The 
people  that  kept  their  situations  on  the  river  suffered  extremely. 
After  all  the  help  they  were  able  to  obtain  by  hunting,  and 
from  the  Indians,  they  were  obliged  to  subsist  on  acorns,  malt 
and  grain.  The  number  of  cattle  that  could  not  be  got  over 
before  winter,  living  upon  what  they  found  in  the  woods  and 
meadows,  wintered  better  than  those  which  were  brought  over; 
however,  a  great  number  of  them  perished.  Early  in  the 
spring,  those  who  went  from  Connecticut  to  spend  the  winter 
with  their  friends,  began  to  return  to  their  new  habitations. 

The  first  court  held  in  Connecticut,  was  held  at 
April  26th,  1636. 


34  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

Towards  the  last  of  the  year  1635,  Mr.  Winthrop,son  of  the 
Massachusetts  governor,  the  worthy  character  who  afterwards 
procured  the  Connecticut  Charter,  arrived  at  Boston  with  a 
commission  from  Jords  Say  and  Seal,  lord  Brook,  and  others,  to 
take  possession  of  Connecticut  river  ;  and  built  a  fort,  which 
they  had  named  Saybrook. 

In  a  few  days,  a  Dutch  vessel  appeared  off  the  harbour,  sent 
to  take  possession  of  the  entrance  of  the  river,  and  erect  for 
tifications  ;  but  the  English  had  by  this  time  mounted  two  can 
non,  and  prevented  their  landing.  Thus  providentially  was 
this  fine  tract  of  country  preserved  for  our  venerable  ancestors, 
and  their  posterity. 

In  September  1636,  Mr.  Pynchion,  with  a  part  of  the  people 
of  Roxbury,  began  the  settlement  of  the  town  of  Springfield^ 
but  no  sooner  had  the  English  begun  to  trade,  and  make  set 
tlements  in  Connecticut,  than  the  Pequods  began  to  murder, 
and  kill  their  cattle.  In  1634,  they  murdered  captains  Stone 
and  Norton,  with  their  whole  crew,  consisting  of  eight  men  ; 
they  then  plundered  and  sunk  the  vessel. 

In  November  following,  the  Pequods  sent  a  messenger  to 
Boston,  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  peace  with  the  English. 
He  made  an  offer  of  a  great  quantity  of  beaver  skins,  to  pur- 
suade  the  governor  to  enter  into  a  league  with  them.  The 
governor  assured  them  that  the  English  were  willing  to  make 
peace  on  condition  that  they  would  give  up  the  murderers  of 
Captain  Stone  and  iiis  men  ;  the  Indians  assured  him  that  the 
murderers  were  all  dead  but  two,  and  they  would  give  them  up 
to  justice;  they  offered  to  give  up  their  right  at  Connecticut 
river,  if  the  English  desired  to  settle  there,  and  engaged  to 
assist  them  as  far  as  was  in  their  power  in  making  settlements  ; 
they  also  agreed  that  they  would  give  the  English  forty  beaver 
and  thirty  otter  skins.  The  governor  and  council  entered  into 
a  treaty  with  them  on  the  conditions  they  proposed.  Whatever 
their  designs  were  at  that  time,  they  soon  afterwards  became 
rnore  and  more  mischievous,  hostile  and  bloody. 

In  1636,  John  Oldham  was  murdered  near  Block  Island.  He 
had  witli  him  two  boys  and  two  Narraganset  Indians  ;  these 
were  taken  and  carried  off.  John  Gallup,  as  he  was  going  from 
Connecticut  to  Boston,  discovered  Mr.  Oldham's  vessel  full  of 
Indians,  and  saw  a  canoe  go  from  her  laden  with  goods.  Sus 
pecting  they  had  murdered  Mr.  Oldham,  1m  hailed  them,  but 
received  no  answer.  Gallup  was  a  bold  man  ;  and  although 
he  had  but  one  man  and  two  boys  with  him,  he  immediately  bore 
down  upon  her,  and  fired  duck  shot  so  thick  among  them,  that 
he  soon  cleared  the  deck.  The  Indians  all  got  under  the  hatch 
es.  He  then  stood  oft',  bore  down  upon  her,  with  a  brisk  gale, 
and  nearly  overset  her,  which  so  frightened  the  Indians,  that 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  55 

several  jumped  overboard  and  were  drowned  ;  he  then  stood 
off,  and  running  down  upon  her  the  second  lime,  raked  her  fore 
and  aft  with  his  shot,  and  running  down  upon  her  a  third  time, 
lie  gave  her  such  a  shock,  that  five  more  jumped  overboard  and 
were  drowned.  He  then  boarded  her,  and  took  two  of  the  In 
dians  and  bound  them.  Two  or  three  others,  armed  with 
swords,  in  a  little  room  be'ow,  could  not  be  driven  out.  Mr. 
Oldham's  corpse  was  found  on  board  ;  his  head  split,  and  the 
body  mangled  in  a  barbarous  manner.  Gallup  and  his  men, 
thru,  as  decently  as  possible,  put  the  corpse  into  the  sea.  Af 
ter  taking  her  rigging  and  goods  which  had  not  been  carried 
off,  they  were  obliged  to  let  her  go  adrift,  and  she  was  lost. 
The  Indians  who  committed  the  murder  were  chiefly  Block 
Islanders,  and  Narragansets.  The  governor  and  council  of 
Massachusetts,  despatched  captain  Endicott  with  ninety  volun 
teers  to  avenge  the  murder.  The  Narraganset  Sachems  sent 
home  Mr.  Oldham's  two  boys,  and  made  peace  with  them  ; 
but  the  other  Indians  made  no  compensation.  Captain  En 
dicott  was  ordered  to  proceed  to  Block  Island,  put  the  men  to 
the  sword,  and  take  possession  of  the  Island,  but  to  spare  the 
women  and  children.  They  sailed  from  Boston  25th  of  Au 
gust.  When  they  arrived  at  Biock  Island,  forty  or  fifty  In 
dians  appeared  on  shore,  and  opposed  his  landing.  After  a 
short  skirmish,  the  Indians  fled  to  the  woods.  After  the  Eng 
lish  had  spent  two  days  on  the  Island,  burning  the  wigwams, 
destroying  the  corn,  and  staving  their  canoes,  they  sailed  for 
the  Pequot  country  ;  when  they  had  arrived  in  Pequot  harbour, 
Captain  Endicott  acquainted  the  Pequots  with  his  design  ;  in 
a  few  hours,  about  three  hundrtd  Pequots  appeared  upoo  the 
shore  ;  but  as  soon  as  they  were  fully  informed  of  his  business, 
they  began  to  withdraw  into  the  woods.  He  landed  his  men 
on  both  sides  the  haibcur,  burnt  their  wigwams,  destroyed 
their  canoes,  killed  one  or  two  Indians,  and  returned  to  Bos 
ton.  This  measure,  instead  of  allaying,  seemed  to  increase 
their  hostility  ;  several  persons  were  taken  near  Saybrook  fort, 
,and  tortured  with  savage  barbarity.  About  the  beginning  of 
October,  the  enemy  concealed  themselves  in  the  grass  in  the 
meadow,  and  surprised  five  ofthe  garrison  at  Saybrook,  as  they 
were  carrying  home  their  hay.  One  Butterfield  was  taken  and 
tortured  to  death  ;  the  rest  made  their  escape.  Eight  or  ten 
days  after,  Joseph  Fiiley,  a  m  isterof  a  small  vessel,  w*e  taken 
as  he  was  going  down  the  Connecticut  river.  He  came  to  an 
chor  about  three  miles  above  the  fort,  and  taking  a  canoe  and 
one  man  with  him  went  a  fowling.  No  sooner  had  he  dischar 
ged  his  piece,  than  a  large  number  of  Pequots,  arising  from 
their  concealment,  took  him  and  killed  his  companion.  The 
iudians  used  him  in  the  cao;t  baibarous  manner,  first  cuuir^ 


56  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

off  his  hands,  and  then  his  feet  ;  thus  torturing  him  to  death. 
As  he  did  not  groan,  they  pronounced  him  a  stout  man. 

In  March,  1637,  Lieutenant  Gardiner,  who  commanded  the 
fort  at  Saybrook,  going  out  with  about  twelve  men,  to  burn 
the  marshes,  was  waylaid  near  a  narrow  neck  of  land  ;  the  en 
emy  rose  upon  him,  killed  three  of  his  men,  and  wounded  seve 
ral.  The  enemy  pursued  them  in  great  numbers  to  the  fort, 
and  compassed  it  on  all  sides.  They  challenged  the  English  to 
come  out  and  fight  ;  they  boasted  that  tiiey  could  kill  the  Eng 
lish-men, — all  one  flies  ;  mocked  the  groans  of  the  wounded. 
But  the  cannon  being  loaded  with  grape  shot  was  fired  among 
them,  which  caused  them  to  groan  in  reality.  Soon  after,  the 
enemy,  in  a  number  of  canoes  beset  a  shallop,  going  down  the 
river,  with  three  men  on  board  ;  the  men  fought  bravely,  but 
were  overpowered  by  numbers,  and  taken.  The  Indians  rip 
ped  them  up  from  the  bottom  of  their  bellies  to  their  throats, 
and  cleft  them  down  their  backs.  They  then  hung  them  upon 
trees  beside  the  river  in  full  view  of  the  English,  as  they  pas 
sed  up  and  down,  on  the  river. 

At  a  court  holden  at  Hartford,  it  was  decreed  that  the  plant 
ation  of  Newtown  should  be  named  Hartford,  and  that  Water- 
town  should  be  named  Wethersfield,  and  tbat  Dorchester  should 
be  called  Windsor. 

In  April,  the  Indians  waylaid  the  people  at  Wethersfield,  as 
they  were  going  into  the  fields  to  labour,  and  killed  six  men  and 
three  women  ;  two  maids  were  taken  captive,  twenty  cowa 
killed,  and  other  damages  done  to  the  inhabitants. 

The  court  holden  at  Hartford,  May  1st,  1637,  resolved  to 
prosecute  the  war  with  the  Pequots  ;  that  ninety  men  should 
be  raised  ;  forty  two  from  Hartford,  thirty  from  Windsor,  and 
eighteen  from  Wethersfield.  Massachusetts  determined  to 
gend  two  hundred,  and  Plymouth  forty  men  to  assist  Connec 
ticut  in  prosecuting  the  war. 

The  troops  being  assembled  at  Hartford,  May  10th,  Rev.  Mr. 
Hooker  delivered  the  following  address. 

"  Fellow  soldiers,  countrymen  and  companions  !  yon  arc 
this  day  assembled  by  the  special  providence  of  God  !  you 
are  not  collected  by  wild  fancy,  nor  ferocious  passions.  It  is 
not  a  tumultuous  assembly,  whose  actions  are  abortive,  or  if 
successful,  produce  only  theft,  rapine  and  murder  :  crimes  incon 
sistent  with  nature's  light — inconsistent  with  a  soldier's  valor. 
You  my  dear  hearts,  were  selected  from  your  neighbors,  by  the 
godly  fathersof  theland,  foryourknown  courage,  toexecutesuch 
a  work.  Your  cause  is  the  cau?6  of  heaven  ;  the  enemy  have 
blasphemed  your  God,  and  slain  his  servants  ;  you  are  only  the 
ministers  of  his  justice.  I  do  not  pretend  that  your  enemies  are 
earelcss  or  indifferent  ;  no,  their  hatred  is  inflamed,  their  lipi 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  57 

thirst  for  blood  ;  they  would  devour  you,  and  all  the  people  of 
God;  but  my  brave  soldiers,  their  guilt  has  reached  the  clouds; 
they  are  ripe  for  destruction  ;  their  cruelty  is  notorious  ;  and 
cruelty  and  cowardice  are  always  united.  There  is  nothing, 
therefore,  to  pr'event  your  certain  victory,  but  their  nimble  feet, 
their  impenetrable  woods  ;  from  these  your  small  numbers  will 
entice  them,  or  your  courage  drive  them.  I  now  put  the 
question — Who  would  not  fight  in  such  a  cause  ?  fight  with 
undaunted  boldness  ?  do  you  wish  for  more  encouragement? 
mope  I  give  you.  Riches:  waken  the  soldier's  sword  ;  and 
though  you  will  not  obtain  silver  and  gold  on  the  field  of  victory, 
you  will  secure  what  is  infinitely  more  precious,  you  will  se 
cure  (he  liberties,  the  privileges  and  the  lives  of  Christ's  church* 
in  this  new  world.  You  will  procure  safety  for  your  affection 
ate  wives,  safety  for  your  prattling-,  harmless,  smiling  babes  : 
you  will  secure  all  the  blessings  enjoyed  by  the  people  of  God, 
in  the  ordinances  ofthe  gospel.  Distinguished  was  the  honor 
conferred  upon  David,  for  fighting  the  battles  of  the  Lord  ;  this 
honor,  O  ye  courageous  soldiers  of  God,  is  now  prepared  for 
you.  You  will  now  execute  his  vengeance  on  the  heathen  ; 
you  will  bind  their  kings  in  chains,  and  their  nobles  in  fetters 
of  iron.  But  perhaps  some  one  may  fear  that  a  fatal  arrow  may 
deprive  him  of  this  honor.  Let  every  faithful  soldier  of  Jesus 
Christ,  be  assured,  that  if  any  servant  be  taken  away,  it  is 
merely  because  the  honors  of  this  world  are  too  narrow  for  his 
reward  ;  an  everlasting  crown  is  set  upon  his  head,  because  the 
rewards  of  this  life  are  insufficient.  March  then  with  Christian 
courage,  in  the  strength  of  the  Lord  ;  march  with  faith  in  his 
divine  promises,  and  soon  your  swords  shall  find  your  enemies, 
soon  they  shall  fall  like  the  leaves  ofthe  forest  under  your  feet." 

On  Wednesday,  the  10th  of  May,  the  troops  from  Connecti 
cut  fell  down  the  river,  for  the  fort  at  Saybrook.  They  consis 
ted  of  90  Englishmen,  and  about  70  Mohegan  andriver'Indians. 
They  embarked  on  board  a  pink,  a  pinnace  and  a  shallop.  The 
Indians  were  commanded  by  Uncas,  sachem  of  the  Mohegans. 
The  whole  was  commanded  by  captain  John  Mason,  who  had 
been  bred  a  soldier  in  the  old  countries.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Stone 
of  Hartford  went  their  chaplain.  On  Monday  the  15th,  the 
troops  arrived  at  Saybrook  fort.  As  the  water  was  low,  this 
little  fleet  several  times  ran  aground.  The  Indians,  impatient 
of  delays,  desired  to  be  set,  on  shore,  promising  to  join  the  Eng 
lish  at  Saybrook.  The  captain  therefore  granted  their  request. 
On  their  march  they  fell  in  with  about  forty  ofthe  enemy,  near 
the  fort,  killed  seven,  and  took  one  prisoner. 

The  prisoner  had  been  a  perfidious  villian.  He  had  lived  in 
the  fort,  some  time  before,  and  could  speak  English  well.  But 
after  thePequots  commenced  hostilities  against  the  English,  ha 


58  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

became  a  constant  spy  upon  the  garrison,  and  acquainted  Sas- 
sacus  with  every  thing  tie  could  discover.  He  had  been  pres 
ent  at  the  slaughter  of  all  the  English  who  had  been  killed  at 
Saybrook.  Uncas  and  his  men  insisted  upon  executing  him 
according  to  the  manner  of  their  ancestors  ;  and  the  English, 
in  the  circumstances  in  which  they  then  were,  did  not  judge  it 
prudent  to  interpose.  The  Indians,  kindling  a  large  fire,  vio 
lently  tore  him  limb  from  limb.  Barbarously  cutting  his  flesh 
in  pieces,  they  handed  it  round  from  one  to  another,  eating  it, 
singing  and  dancing  round  the  fire,  in  their  violent  and  tumul 
tuous  manner.  The  bones  and  such  |  arts  of  their  captive,  as 
were  not  consumed  in  this  dreadful  repast,  were  committed  to 
the  flames  and  burnt  to  ashes. 

This  success  was  matter  of  joy,  not  only  as  it  was  a  check 
upon  (he  enemy,  but  it  v\  as  an  evidence  of  the  fidelity  of  Uncaa 
and  his  Indians,  of  which  the  English  had  been  before  in  doubt. 
There  were  other  circumstances,  however,  which  more  than 
counterbalanced  this  joy.  The  army  lay  wind  bound  until 
Friday,  and  Captain  Mason  and  his  officers  were  entirely  divi 
ded  in  opinion,  with  respect  to  the  manner  of  prosecuting  their 
enterprise.  The  court,  by  the  commission  and  instructions 
which  it  had  given,  enjoined  the  landing  of  the  men  at  Pequot 
harbour,  and  that  from  thence  they  should  advance  upon  tho 
enemy.  The  captain  was  for  passing  by  thorn,  and  sailing  to 
the  Narraganset  country.  He  was  fixed  in  this  opinion,  be 
cause  he  found  that,  expecting  the  army  at  Pequot  harbour,  they 
kept  watch  upon  the  river  night  and  day.  Their  number  of 
rnen  greatly  exceeded  his.  He  was  informed,  at  Saybrook,  that 
(hey  had  sixteen  fire  arms,  with  powder  and  shot.  The  har 
bour  was  compassed  with  rocks  and  thickets,  affording  the  ene 
my  every  advantage.  They  were  upon  the  land,  and  exceed 
ingly  light  of  foot.  He  was  therefore  of  the  opinion,  that  they 
would  render  it  very  difficult  and  dangerous  to  land,  and  that  he 
might  sustain  such  loss,  as  would  discourage  his  men  and  frus 
trate  the  design  of  the  expedition.  If  they  should  make  good 
their  landing,  he  was  sure,  that  while  they  directed  their  march 
through  the  country,  to  the  enemy's  forts,  they  would  waylay 
and  attack  them,  with  their  whole  force,  at  every  difficult  pass. 
Besides  if  they  should  find,  on  t.rial,  that  they  were  not  able  to 
defeat  the  English,  they  would  run  off  to  swamps  and  fastness 
es,  where  they  could  not  be  found  ;  and  they  should  not  be  able 
to  effect  any  thing  capital  against  them.  He  was  not  without 
hopes,  that,  by  going  to  Narraganset,  he  might  surprise  them. 
There  was  also  some  prospect,  that  the  Narragansets  would  join 
him  in  the  expedition,  and  that  he  might  fall  in  with  some  port 
of  the  troops  from  Massachusetts, 


THE  UJNITED   STATES.  59 

Hig  officers  and  men  in  general  were  for  attending  their  in 
structions,  and  going  at  all  hazards  directly  to  the  forts.  The 
necessity  of  their  affairs  at  home,  tne  danger  of  the  Indians  at- 
tacking'their  families  and  settlements,  in  their  absence,  made 
them  wish,  at  once  to  despatch  the  business,  on  which  they  had 
been  sent.  They  did  not  relish  a  long  march  through  the  wil 
derness.  They  also  imagined  that  they  might  be  discovered, 
even  should  they  determine  to  march  from  Narraganset  to  the 
attack  of  the  enemy.  In  this  division  of  opinion,  Mr.  Slono 
was  desired  by  the  officers  most  importunately  to  pray  for  them, 
that  their  way  might  be  directed,  and  that,  notwithstanding 
the  present  embarrassment,  the  enterprise  might  be  crowned 
with  success. 

Mr.  Stone  spent  most  of  Thursday  night  in  prayer,  and  the 
next  morning  visii:"£  captain  Mason,  assured  him,  that  he  had 
done  as  he  was  desired  ;  adding,  that  he  was  entirely  satisfied 
with  his  plan.  The  council  was  again  called,  and,  upon  a  full 
view  of  all  the  reasons,  unanimously  agreed  to  proceed  to  Nar 
raganset.  It  was  also  determined  that  twenty  men  should  be 
sent  back  to  Connecticut,  to  strengthen  the  infant  settlements, 
while  the  rest  of  the  troops  were  employed  in  service  against 
the  enemy  ;  and,  that  Captain  Underbill,  with  nineteen  men 
from  the  garrison  at  Saybrook  fort,  should  supply  their  places. 

On  Friday.  May  19th.  the  Captain  sailed  for  Narraganset 
bay,  and  arrived  on  Saturday  at  the  desired  port.  On  Monday, 
captain  Mason,  and  captain  Underbill  marched  with  a  guard 
to  the  plantation  of  Canonicus,  and  acquainted  him  with  the 
design  of  their  coming.  A  messenger  was  immediately  des 
patched  to  Miantonimob,  the  chief  sachem  of  the  Narragansets, 
to  acquaint  him  also  with  the  expedition.  The  next  day  Mian- 
tonimoh  met  them,  with  his  chief  counsellors  and  warriors, 
consisting  of  about  200  men.  Captain  Mason  certified  him, 
that  the  occasion  of  his  coming  with  armed  men,  into  his  coun 
try,  was  to  avenge  .the  intolerable  injuries  which  the  Pequots, 
his  as  well  as  their  enemies,  had  done  the  English  :  and,  that 
he  desired  a  free  passago  to  the  Pequot  forts.  After  a  solemn 
consultation  in  the  Indian  manner,  Mian toni mob  answered, 
That  he  highly  approved  of  the  expedition,  and  that  he  would 
send  men.  He  observed,  however,  that  the  English  were  not 
sufficient  in  number  to  fight  wi  h  the  enemy.  He  said  the  Pe 
quots  were  great  Captains,  skilled  in  war,  and  rather  slighted 
the  English.  Captain  Mason  landed  his  men,  and  marched 
just  at  night  to  the  plantation  of  Canonicus,  which  was  ap 
pointed  to  be  the  place  of  general  rendezvous.  That  night 
there  arrived  an  Indian  runner  in  the  camp,  with  a  letter  from 
captain  Patrick,  who  had  arrived  with  his  party  at  Mr.  Wil 
liams'  plantation  in  Providence.  Captain  Patrick  signified  his 


60  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

desire,  that  captain  Mason  would  wait  until  he  could  join  him. 
Upon  deliberation  it  was  determined  not  to  wait,  though  a 
junction  was  greatly  desired.  The  men  had  already  been  de 
tained  much  longer  than  was  agreeable  to  their  wishes.  When 
they  had  absolutely  resolved  the  preceding  day  to  march  the 
next  morning,  the  Indians  insisted  that  they  were  but  in  jest  ; 
that  Englishmen  talked  much,  but  would  not  fight.  It  was 
therefore  feared,  that  any  delay  would  have  a  bad  effect  upon 
them.  It  was  also  suspected  that,  if  they  did  not  proceed  im 
mediately,  they  should  be  discovered,  as  there  were  a  number 
of  squaws  who  maintained  an  intercourse  between  the  Pequot 
and  Narraganset  Indians.  The  army  therefore,  consisting  of 
seventy  seven  Englishmen,  sixty  Mohegan  and  river  Indians, 
and  about  two  hundred  Narragansets,  inarched  on  Wednesday 
morning,  and  that  day  reached  the  eastern  Nihantic,  about 
eighteen  or  twenty  miles  from  the  place  of  rendezvous  the  night 
before.  This  was  a  frontier  to  the  Pequots,  and  was  the  seat 
of  one  ofthe  Narraganset  sachems.  Here  the  army  halted,  at 
the  close  ofthe  day.  But  the  sachem  and  his  Indians  conduct  • 
ed  therm-pelves  in  a  haughty  manner  towards  the  English,  and 
would  not  suffer  them  to  enter  within  their  fort.  Captain  Ma 
son  therefore  placed  a  strong  guard  round  the  fort ;  and  as  the 
Indians  would  not  suffer  him  to  enter  it,  he  determined  that 
none  of  them  should  corne  out.  Knowing  the  perfidy  ofthe  In 
dians,  and  that  it  was  customary  among  them  to  suffer  the  near 
est  relatives  of  their  greatest  enemies  to  reside  with  them,  he 
judged  it  necessary,  to  prevent  their  discovering  him  to  the 
enemy. 

In  the  morning,  a  considerable  number  of  Miantonimoh's 
men  came  on  and  joined  the  English.  This  encouraged  many 
ofthe  Nihanticks  also  to  join  them.  They  soon  formed  a  cir 
cle,  and  made  protestations,  how  gallantly  they  would  fight, 
and  what  numbers  they  would  kill.  When  the  army  marched, 
the  next  morning,  the  captain  had  with  him  nearly  five  hundred 
Indian?.  He  marched  twelve  miles,  to  the  ford  in  Pawcatuck 
river.  The  day  was  very  hot,  and  the  men,  through  the  great 
heat,  and  a  scarcity  of  provision,  began  to  faint.  The  army, 
therefore,  made  a  considerable  halt,  and  refreshed  themselves. 
Here  the  Narraganset  Indians  began  to  manifest  their  dread  of 
the  Pequots,  and  to  inquire  of  captain  Mason,  with  great  anxi 
ety,  what  were  his  real  designs.  He  assured  them,  that  it  was 
his  design  to  attack  the  Pequots  in  their  forts.  At  this  they  ap 
peared  to  be  panic-struck,  and  filled  with  amazement.  Many 
of  them  drew  off,  ami  returned  to  Naraganset.  The  army 
marched  on  about  three  miles^  and  came  to  Indian  corn  fields  ; 
and  the  captain,  imagining  that  he  drew  near  the  enemy,  mad« 
a  halt :  he  called  his  guides  and  council,  and  demanded  of  the 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  61 

Indians  how  far  it  was  to  the  forts.  They  represented,  that  it 
was  twelve  miles  to  Sassacus's  furt,  and  that  bo' h  forts  were  in 
a  manner  impregnable.  We q nosh,  a  Peqnnt  Captain  or  petty 
pache'n,  who  had  revolted  from  Sassams  to  the  Narragansets, 
was  the  principal  guide,  and  he  proved  faithful.  He  gave  such 
information,  respecting  the  distance  of  the  forts  from  each  oth 
er,  B'ij  the  distance  which  they  were  then  at,  from  the  chief 
fachem's,  as  determined  him  and  his  officer?  to  alter  the  resolu 
tion  which  they  had  before  adopted,  of  attacking  them  both  at 
once;  and  to  make  a  united  attack  upon  that  at  Mistic.  He 
found  his  men  so  fatigued,  in  marching  through  a  pathless  wil 
derness,  with  their  provisions,  arms,  and  ammunition,  and  so  af 
fected  with  the  heat,  that  this  resolution  appeared  to  be  abso 
lutely  necessary.  One  of  captain  Underbill's  men  became 
lame,  at  the  same  time,  and  began  to  fail.  The  army,  therefore, 
proceeded  directly  to  Mistic,  and  continuing  their  inarch, came 
to  a  small  swamp  between  two  hills,  just  at  the  disappearing  of 
the  day  light.  The  officers,  supposingthat  they  were  now  near 
the  furt,  pitched  their  little  camp,  between  or  near  two  large 
rocks,  in  Groton,  since  called  Porter's  rocks.  The  men  were 
faint  and  weary,  and  though  the  rocks  were  their  pillows,  their 
rest  was  swee't.  The  guards  and  sentinels  were  considerably 
advanced,  in  the  front  of  the  army,  and  heard  the  enemy  sing 
ing,  at  the  fort,  who  continued  their  rejoicings  even  until 
midnight.  They  had  seen  the  vessels  pass  the  harbor,  some 
days  before,  and  had  concluded,  that  the  English  were  afraid, 
and  had  not  courage  to  attack  them.  They  were  therefore, 
rejoicing,  singing,  dancing,  insulting  them,  and  wearying  them 
selves,  on  this  account. 

The  ni<rht  was  serene,  and,  towards  morning,  the  moon  shone 
clear.  The  important  crisis  wns  now  come,  when  the  very  ex 
istence  of  Connecticut,  under  providence,  was  to  be  determin 
ed  by  the  sword,  in  a  single  action  j  and  to  be  decided  by  the 
good  conduct  of  less  than  eighty  brave  men.  The  Indians 
who  remained,  were  now  sorely  dismayed, and  though,  at  first, 
they  had  led  the  van,  and  boasted  of  great  feats,  yet  were 
now  all  fallen  back  in  the  rear. 

About  two  hours  before  day,  the  men  were  routed  with  all 
expedition,  and  briefly  commending  themselves  and  their  cajse 
to  God,  advanced  immediately  towards  the  fort.  After  a  march 
of  about  two  miles,  they  came  to  the  foot  of  a  large  hill,  where 
a  fine  country  opened  before  them.  The  captain,  supposing 
that  the  fort  could  not  be  far  dis'anl,  sent  for  the  Indians  in 
the  rear,  to  come  wp.  Uncas  and  Wequosh,at  length  appeared. 
He  demanded  of  them  where  the  fort  was.  They  answered  on 
the  toy  oi'thc  hill.  He  demanded  of  them  where  were  theothr 
*r  Indians.  Tbey  answered,  that  they  were  ranch  afraid. — 
6 


62  UNIVERSAL    HISTORY  OF 

The  captain  sent  to  thorn  not  to  fly,  but  to  surround  the  fort-% 
at  any  distance  t!my  pleased,  and  see  whether  Englishmen 
would  fight.  The  day  wis  nearly  dawning,  and  no  lime  was 
to  be  lost.  The  men  pressed  on,  in  two  divisions,  captain  Ma 
son  to  the  noith-eastern,  and  captain  Underbill  to  the  western 
entrance.  As  the  object  which  they  had  been  so  long  seeking, 
came  into  view,  and  while  they  reflected  they  were  to  fight 
not  only  for  themselves,  but  their  parents,  wives,  children,  und 
the  whole  colony,  the  martial  spirit  kindled  in  their  bosoms,  and 
they  were  wonderfully  animated.  As  captain  Mason  advanced 
within  a  rod  or  two  of  the  fort,  a  dog  barked,  and  an  Indian 
roared  out,  Owanux  !  Owanux  !  That  is,  Englishmen  !  En 
glishmen  !  The  troops  pressed  on,  and  as  the  Indians  were  ral 
lying,  poured  in  upon  them,  through  the  pallisadoes,  a  general 
discharge  of  their  muskets,  and  then  wheeling  off  to  the  princi 
pal  entrance,  entered  the  foil  sword  in  hand.  Notwithstanding 
the  sudilenness,  of  ihe  attack,  tie  blaze  and  thunder  of 
their  arms,  the  tnemv  made  a  manly  ami  desperate  resistance. 
Captain  Mason  and  his  party,  drove  the  Indians  in  the  main 
etrett  towards  the  west  part  of  the  fort,  where  some  bold  men 
who  bad  forced  their  way,  met  them,  and  made  such  slaughter 
among  them,  that  the  street  WPS  soon  clear  of  the  enemy. 
They  secreted  themselves  in  and  behind  their  wigwams,  and 
taking1  advantage  of  every  covert,  maintained  an  obsinate  de 
fence.  The  Captain  and  his  men  entcied  the  wigwams,  where 
they  were  beset  with  many  Indians,  who  took  every  advantage 
to  shoot  them,  and  lay  hands  upon  them,  so  that  it  was  with 
great  difficulty  that  they  could  defend  themselves  with  their 
swords.  After  a  severe  conflict,  in  which  many  of  the  Indians 
were  slain,  some  of  the  English  kilhd,  and  ethers  sorely 
wounded,  the  victory  still  hung  in  suspense.  The  captain  find 
ing  himself  much  exhausted,  and  out  of  breath,  as  well  as  bis 
men,  by  the  extraordinary  exertions  which  they  had  made  ;  in 
this  critical  state  of  action,  had  recourse  to  a  successful  expe 
dient.  He  cries  out  to  his  men,  We  must  iurn  them.  He  im 
mediately  entering  a  wigwam,  took  fire,  and  put  it  into  the- 
mats,  with  which  the  wigwams  were  covered.  The  fire  in 
stantly  kindling,  spread  with  such  violence  that  all  the  Indian 
houses  were  soon  wrapped  inflames.  As  the  fire  increased, 
the  English  retired  witKout  the  fort,  and  compassed  it  on  every 
side.  Uncas  and  Ins  Indians,  with  such  of  ihe  Narraganseta  as 
yet  remained,  took  cournge,  from  the  example  of  the  English, 
and  formed  another  cucle  in  the  rear  or  them.  The  enemj 
were  now  seized  with  astonishment,  and  foiced,  by  the  flamea^ 
from  their  lurking  places,  into  open  light,  became  a  fair  mark 
for  the  English  soldiers.  Some  climbed  the  paUisadoes,  and 
were  instantly  brought  down  by  the  fire  of  the  Englisk  cuus- 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  63 

kets.  Others,  desperately  sallying  forth  from  their  burning 
cells,  were  shot,  or  cut  in  pieces  with  the  sword.  Such  (error 
fell  upon  them,  that  th.*y  wouid  run  back  from  the  English,  into 
the  very  flames.  Great  numbers  perished  in  the  conflagra 
tion. 

The  greatness  and  violence  of  the  fire,  the  reflection  of  the 
light,  the  flashing  and  roar  of  the  arms,  the  shrieks  and  vei 
lings  of  the  men,  women  and  children,  in  the  fort,  and  tne 
shoutings  of  the  Indians  without,  just  at  the  dawning  of  the 
morning-,  exhibited  a  grand  and  awful  scene.  In  a  little  more 
than  an  hour  this  whole  work  of  destruction  was  finished. 
Seventy  wigwams  were  burnt,  and  five  or  six  hundred  Indiana 
perished,  either  by  the  sword,  or  in  the  flames.*  A  hundred 
and  fifty  warriors  had  been  sent  on,  the  evening  before,  who 
that  very  morninir,  were  to  have  gone  forth  against  the  English. 
Of  th^se,  and  ail  who  belonged  to  the  fort,  seven  only  escaped, 
and  seven  were  made  prisoners.  It  had  been  previously  con 
clude  I  not  to  burn  the  fort,  but  to  destroy  the  enemy,  and  take 
the  plunder  ;  but  the  captain  afterwards  found  it  the  only  ex 
pedient  to  obtain  the  vic'ory,  and  save  his  men.  Thus  parents 
and  children,  Hie  sannup  and  squaw,  ths  old  man  and  babe, 
perished  in  promiscuous  ruin. 

Though  the  victory  was  complete,  yet  the  army  were  in 
great  danger  and  distress.  The  men  had  been  exceedingly  fa 
tigued,  by  the  heat,  and  long  marches  through  rough  and  difficult 
places  ;  and  by  thai  constant  watch  and  guard  which  they  had 
been  obl'ged  to  keep.  They  had  no  A*  been  greatly  exhausted, 
by  the  sharpness  of  the  action,  and  the  exertions  winch  they 
had  been  necessitated  to  make.  Their  lo?s  was  very  consider 
able.  Two  men  were  kilieJ,  and  nearly  twenty  wounded. 

This  was  more  than  one  quarter  of  the  English.  Numbers 
fainted  by  reason  of  fatigue,  the  heat.  anJ  want  of  necessaries. 
The  surg-con,  their  provisions,  and  the  articles  necessary  for 
the  wounded,  were  on  board  the  vessels,  which  had  been  or 
dered  to  sail  from  the  Natraganset  bay,  the  night  before,  for 
Pequot  harbour  ;  but  there  was  no  appearance  of  them  in  the 
sound.  They  weie  sensible  that,  by  the  burning  of  the  fort, 
and  the  noise  ol"  war,  they  had  alarmed  the  country  ;  and  there 
fore  were  in  constant  expectation  of  an  attack,  by  a  fresh  and 
numerous  enemy  from  the  other  fortress,  and  from  every  quar 
ter  whence  the  Peq'iots  might  be  collected. 

A  number  of  friendly  Indians  had  been  wounded,  and  they 
were  so  distracted  with  fear,  that  it  was  difficult  even  to  tpeak 

*Captain  Mason,  in  his  history,  says  six  or  seven  hundred.  From 
the  Dumber  of  wigwams,  anJ  the  reinforcement,  the  probability  is 
that  about  six  hundred  were  destroyed. 


64  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

with  their  guide  and  interpeter,  or  to  know  any  thing  what 
they  designed.  The  English  were  in  an  enemy's  country,  and 
enlire  strangers  to  the  vvay  in  which  they  must  return.  The 
enemy  were  far  more  numerous  than  themselves,  and  enraged 
to  the  highest  degree.  Another  circumstance  rendered  their 
situation  still  more  dangerous,  their  provisions  and  ammunition 
were  nearly  expended.  Four  or  five  men  were  so  wounded 
that  it  was  necessary  to  carry  them,  and  they  were  also  obli 
ged  to  bear  about  twenty  fire  arms,  so  that  not  more  than  for 
ty  men  could  be  spared  for  action. 

After  an  interval  of  about  an  hour,  while  the  officers  were  in 
consultation  what  course  they  should  take,  their  vessels,  &s 
though  guided  by  the  hand  of  providence,  to  serve  the  necessi 
ties  of  these  brave  men,  came  full  in  view  ;  and,  under  a  fair 
gale,  were  steering  directly  into  the  harbour.  This  in  the  sit 
uation  of  the  army  at  that  time,  was  a  most  jo>  ful  sight. 

Immediately,  upon  the  discovery  of  the  vessels,  about  three 
hundred  Indians  came  on  from  the  other  fort.  Captain  Mason, 
perceiving  their  approach,  led  out  a  chosen  party  to  engage 
them,  and  try  their  temper.  He  gave  them  such  a  warm  re 
ception,  as  soon  checked  and  put  them  to  a  stand.  This  gave 
him  great  encouragement,  arid  he  ordered  the  army  to  march 
for  Pequot  harbour.  The  enemy,  upon  this,  immediately  ad 
vanced  to  the  hill,  where  the  fort  stood  ;  and  viewing  the  de 
struction  which  had  been  made,  stamped  and  tore  their  hair 
from  their  heads.  After  a  short  pause,  and  blowing  them 
selves  up  to  the  highest  transport  of  passion,  they  leaped  down 
the  hill  after  the  army,  in  the  most  violent  manner,  as  though 
they  were  about  to  run  over  the  English.  Captain  Uiiderlnl!, 
who,  with  a  number  of  the  best  men,  was  ordered  to  defend 
the  rear,  soon  checked  the  eagerness  of  their  pursuit,  and. 
taught  them  to  keep  at  a  more  respectful  distance.  The 
friendly  Indians  who  had  not  deserted,  now  kept  close  to  the 
English,  and  it  was  believed,  that  after  the  enemy  came  on. 
they  were  afraid  to  leave  them.  The  enemy  pursued  the  ar 
my  nearly  six  miles,  sometimes  shooting  at  a  distance,  from 
behind  the  rocks  and  trees,  and  at  other  times,  pressing  on 
more  violently,  and  desperately  hazarding  themselves  in  tha 
open  field. 

That  the  English  might  be  enabled  to  fight,  captain  Mason 
eoon  hired  the  Indians  to  carry  the  wounded  men  and  their 
arms.  The  English  killed  several  of  the  enemy  while  they 
pursued  them,  but  sustained  no  loss  themselves.  When  they 
killed  a  Pequot,  the  other  Indians  would  shout,  run  and  fetch 
his  head.  At  length,  the  enemy  finding  that  they  could  make 
no  impression  upon  the  army,  and  that  wounds  and  death  at 
tended  their  attempts,  gave  over  the  pursuit. 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  65 

t*he  army  then  m-uched  to  the  harbor,  with  their  colors 
flying,  and  were  received  on  board  the  vessels,  with  great  mu 
tual  joy  and  congratulation. 

In  about  three  weeks  from  the  time  the  men  embarked  at 
Hartford,  they  returned  a^ain  to  their  respective  habitations. 
They  were  received  with  the  greatest  exultation.  As  the  peo 
ple  had  been  deeply  afflicted  with  their  danger,  and  full  of  anx 
iety  for  their  friends,  while  nearly  half  the  effective  men  in  the 
colony  were  in  service,  upon  so  hazardous  an  enterprise,  so 
sudden  a  change,  in  the  groat  victory  obtained,  and  in  the  safe 
return  of  so  many  of  their  children  and  neighbors,  filled  them 
with  exceeding  joy  and  thankfulness.  Every  family,  and  eve 
ry  worshipping1  assembly,  spoke  the  language  of  praise  and 
thanksgiving. 

Several  circumstances  a' tending  this  enterprise,  were  much 
noticed  by  the  soldiers  themselves,  and  especially  by  all  the 
pious  people.  It  was  considered  as  very  providential,  that  the 
army  should  march  nearly  forty  miles,  and  a  considerable  part 
of  it  in  the  enemy's  country,  and  not  be  discovered  until  the  mo 
ment  they  were  ready  to  commence  the  attack.  It  was  judg 
ed  remarkable,  that  the  vessels  should  come  into  the  harbour 
at  the  very  hour  in  which  they  were  most  needed.  The  life 
ol  captain  Mason  was  very  signally  preserved.  As  he  entered 
a  wigwam  for  fire  to  burn  the  fort,  an  Lid:an  was  drawing  aa 
arrow  to  the  very  head,  and  would  have  killed  him  instantly  ; 
but  Divis,  one  his  sergeants,  cut  the  bow  string  with  his  cut 
lass  auJ  prevented  the  fatal  shot.  Lieutenant  Ball  received  an 
arrow  into  a  hard  piec?  of  cheese,  which  he  had  in  his  clothes, 
and  by  it  was  saved  harmless.  Two  soldiers,  John  Dyer  and 
Thomas  Stiles,  both  servants  of  one  mm,  were  shot  in  the 
knots  of  their  a  ec  it  lotus,  a.iJ  by  them  preserved  from  instant 
death. 

Few  enterprises  have  ever  been  achieved  with  more  person 
al  bravery  or  go xl  conduct.  In  few  have  so  great  a  proportion 
of  the  effective  ^n  MI  or*  a  whole  cjlony,  stale,  or  nation  been  put 
to  so  great  an  1  i  nuiedhte  danger.  In  few,  have  a  people  been 
BO  deeply  an  1  im nedtateiy  interested,  as  the  whole  colony  of 
Connecticut  w  is  i  i  this,  iu  thai  uncommon  crisis.  In  these 
respects,  even  the  great  armaments  and  battles  of  Europe  are, 
comparatively,  of  linle  i  nportance.  In  this,  under  the  divine 
conduct,  by  seventy-seven  brave  men,  Connecticut  was  saved, 
and  the  moat  warlike  and  terrible  Indian  nation  iu  New-Eng 
land,  defeated  and  ruined. 

The  body  of  the  P^q-io's,  returning  from  the  pursuit  of  cap 
tain  Mason,  repaired  to  &issac..s,  at  the  royal  fortress,  and  re 
lated    the  doleful  s  oiy  of  their  misfortunes.      They   charged 
them  all  to  hLs  haughtiness  and  misconduct,  and  threatened 
6* 


66  UNIVERSAL  HISTO&Y  OF 

him,  and  his,  with  immediate  destruction.  His  friends  and 
chief  counsellors  interceded  for  him  ;  and,  at  their  entreaty,  his 
men  spared  his  life.  Then,  upon  consultation,  they  concluded, 
that  they  could  not,  with  safety,  remain  any  longer  in  the  coun 
try.  They  were,  indeed,  so  panic  siruck,  that,  burning  their 
wigwams  and  destroying  their  fort  they  fled  and  scatter 
ed  into  various  parts  of  the  country.  Sassacus,  Mononotto* 
and  seventy  or  eighty  of  their  cliief  counsellors  and  warriors, 
took  their  route  towards  Hudson's  river. 

Just  before  captain  Mason  went  out  upon  the  expedition 
against  the  Pequots,  the  Dutch  performed  a  very  neighbourly 
office  for  Connecticut.  The  two  maids,  who  had  been  capti 
vated  at  Wethersfield,  had,  through  the  humanity  and  media 
tion  of  Mononotto's  squaw,  been  spare!  from  death,  and  kindly 
treated.  The  Dutch  governor,  receiving  intelligence  of  their 
circumstances,  determined  to  redeem  them  at  any  rate,  and 
despatched  a  sloop  to  Pequot  harbour  for  that  purpose.  Upon 
its  arrival,  the  Dutch  made  large  offers  for  their  redemption, 
but  the  Pequots  would  not  accept  them.  Finally,  as  the 
Dutch  had  a  number  of  Peq'iots  on  board,  whom  they  had  ta 
ken,  and  finding  that  they  could  do  no  better,  they  offered  the 
Pequots  six  of  their  own  men  for  the  two  maids.  These  they 
accepted,  and  the  Dutch  delivered  the  youug  women  at  Say- 
brook,  just  before  captain  Mason  and  his  party  arrived.  Of 
them  ho  received  particular  information  respecting  the  enemy. 

An  Indian  runner,  despatched  by  Mr.  Wiliums,  at  Provi 
dence,  soon  carried  the  news  of  the  success  of  Connecticut 
against  the  Pequots,  to  the  governor  of  Massachusetts.  The  gov 
ernor  and  his  council,  judging  that  the  Peq  lots  had  received  a 
capital  blow,  sent  forward  but  a  hundred  and  twenty  men. 
These  wore  commanded  by  Mr.  Stonghion,  aud  ihe  Ilev.  Mr. 
Wilson,  of  Boston,  was  sent  his  chaplain. 

This  party  arrived  at  Pequot  turbo  >r  the  latter  pirt  of  June. 
By  the  assistance  of  the  Narragansel  Indians,  the  party  under 
captain  St-Might  on  surround-'d  a  laige  body  of  Pequots  in  a 
swamp.  They  took  eighty  captives.  Tliiuywere  men;  t  he- 
rest  were  wom^n  and  children.  The  nr:»n.  except  two  sa 
chems,  wore  killed,  but  the  women  and  children  were  sar*d. 
Tne  sachems  promised  to  conduct  the  English  to  Sassacus,  and 
f>r  that  purpose  were  spared  for  the  present. 
fc  The  court  at  Connecti'Ut  ordered  that  forty  men  should  bo 
raided  forthwith  for  the  further  prosecution  of  the  war  against 
Ihe  Pequjts.  to  be  commanded  by  captain  Mason. 

The  troop*  from  Connecticut  made  a  junction  with  the  party 
under  the?  command  of  captain  Stougtiton,  at  Pequot.  Mr. 
Lndlow,  with  other  principal  gentlemen  fiom  Connecticut, 
went  also  with  the  army,  to  advice  with  respect  to  the  measure* 
to  l>e  adopted  in  the  1'urUicr  prod^sutioa  of  the  war. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  67 

genera!  consultation,  it  was  concluded  to  pursue  the  Pequota, 
who  ha-'l  fldd  to  the  westward.  Tiie  army  marched  immediate 
ly,  and  soon  discovered  the  places,  where  the  enemy  had 
rendezvouz-^d,  at  their  several  removes.  As  these  were  not 
far  distant  from  eac'i  other,  it  appeared  that  they  moved  slow 
ly,  having  their  women  and  children  with  them.  They  also 
were  without  provisions,  and  were  obliged  to  dig  for  clams, 
and  to  range  the  groves  for  such  articles  as  they  afforded. 
The  English  found  som-j  scattering1  Peqnois,  as  they  scoured 
the  country,  whom  th  captivated,  and  from  whom  they  ob 
tained  intelligence  rd  .tive  to  the  Peq'iots  whom  they  wero 
pursuing.  But  finding,  that  the  sachems,  whom  they  had  spar 
ed,  would  give  them  no  information,  they  beheaded  them,  on 
their  march,  at  a  place  called  Alenunkaiuek,  since  Guiitord; 
from  which  circumstance,  the  spot  on  which  the  execution 
waa  done,  bears  the  name  of  Sachem's  Hjad  to  the  present 
time.  In  three  days  they  arrived  at  New  Haven  harbour. 
The  vessels  sailed  along  the  shore  while  the  troop?  marched 
by  land.  At  New  Haven,  then  called  Quinnipiack,  a  great 
smoke,  at  a  small  distance,  was  discovered  in  the  woods.  The 
officers  supposing,  tint  they  had  now  discovered  the  enemy, 
ordered  the  army  immediately  to  advance  upon  them;  but 
were  soon  informed  that  they  were  not.  in  that  vicinity.  The 
Connecticut  Indians  had  kindled  the  fires  whence  the  smoke 
arose.  The  troop*  so  >n  embarked  0:1  b  iard  the  vessels.  After 
staying  several  days  at  New  Hiveu,  ''•-•officers  received  in- 
intelligence  from  a  P  q  i>r,  whom  t  .,vl  previously  sent  to 
make  discovery,  that  the  erit-tny  »\vre  at  a  considerable  dis 
tance,  in  a  great  swamo,  to  the  westward.  Upon  this  infor 
mation,  the  ftrmy  marched  with  al  possible  despatch  to  a  great 
ewanip,  in  Fairl!  >IJ,  where  were  eijh'v  or  a  hundred  Pequot 
warriors,  and  nearly  tw  >  h.ui-lr  -d  other  Indians.  The  ssvamp 
was  such  a  thicket,  so  deep  and  boggy,  that  it  \vas  difficult  to 
enter  it,  or  make  anv  movement  without  sinking  in  Hie  mire, 
lieutenant  Davenport  and  otli.-rs,  rushing  eagerly  into  it, 
were  sorely  wounded,  and  several  were  soon  so  de^p  in  the 
mud,  that  th^y  could  not  set  on*,  v,-i  hout  assistance.  The 
enemy  pressed  thorn  so  hard,  that  they  were  j'i*t  r^ady  to  seizo 
them  by  th<3  h;iir  of  their  b^ad.  A  nu  nber  of  brave  men  were 
obliged  to  rescue  them  ^wo-.lin  hand  Some?  of  the  Indians 
were  slain,  and  the  men  w  ;re  drawn  out  of  the  mire.  The 
swamp  was  surrounded,  an  1  after  a  cuAsidarable  skirmish,  the 
Indians  desired  a  pirlr;/.  As  the  officers  were  not  willino-  to 
make  a  promiscuous  destruction  of  mon.  woiwn  and  ciiildren, 
and  a»  the  sachem  and  Inti  .vis  of  the  vicimtv  had  fled  into  thm 
*wam;>,  thonorh  tl-.ey  had  J  >ne  the  colonies  no  injury,  a  parley 
was  granted.  Thomas  fc)  uotou,  a  cuan  well  acqj-aitlca  witk 


68  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

the  manners  and  language  of  the  Indians,  was  sent  to  treat 
with  them.  He  was  authorized  to  offer  life  to  all  the  Indians 
who  had  shed  no  English  hlood.  Upon  this  offer,  the  sachem 
of  the  place  came  out  to  the  English,  and  one  company  of  old 
men,  women  and  cidldren  after  another,  to  the  number  of  about 
two  hundred. 

The  sachem  of  the  place  declared  for  himself  and  his  Indiana^ 
that  they  had  never  shed  the  blood  of  the  English,  nor  done 
them  any  harm.  But  the  Pequot  warriors  hud  too  great  a 
spirit  to  accept  of  the  offer  of  life,  declaring-,  that  they  would 
fight  it  out.  They  shot  their  arrows  at  Stanton,  and  pressed  so 
hard  upon  him.  that  the  soldiers  were  obliged  to  fly  to  his  res 
cue.  The  fight  was  then  renewed,  the  soldiers  firing  upon 
them  whenever  an  opportunity  presented.  But  by  reason  of  an 
unhappy  division  among  the  officers,  a  great  part  of  the  enemy 
escaped.  Some  were  for  forcing  the  swamp  immediately,  but 
this  was  oppo-ed,  as  too  dangerous.  Others  were  for  cutting 
it  down,  as  they  had  taken  many  hatchets,  with  which  they 
were  of  the  opinion  it  might  be  effected!  Some  others  were 
for  making  a  pallisado  and  hedge  round  it,  but  neither  of  these 
measures  could  be  adopted.  As  night  came  on,  the  English 
cut  through  a  narrow  pa;  t  of  it,  by  which  the  circumference 
was  greatly  lessened ;  so  that  the  soldiers,  at  twelve  feet  dis 
tance  from  each  other,  were  able  completely  to  compass  tho 
enemy.  In  this  manner  they  enclosed  and  watched  them  until 
it  was  nearly  morning.  A  thick  fog  arose  just  before  day,  and 
it  became  exceedingly  dark,  At  this  juncture,  the  Indian* 
took  the  opportunity  to  break  through  the  English.  They 
made  their  first  at'empt  upon  captain  Patrick's  quarters,  yelling 
in  their  hideous  manner,  and  pressing  on  with  violence,  but  they 
were  several  times  di iven  back.  As  the  noise  and  tumult  of 
war  increased,  enp'ain  Mason  sent  a  party  to  assist  captain 
Patrick.  Captain  Tra:ik  itl-o  matched  to  reinforce  him.  A* 
the  bailie  greatly  increased,  the  siege  broke  up.  Captain. 
Mason  marched  to  give  assistance  in  ihe  action.  Advancing 
to  the  turn  o!  the  swamp,  ho  found  that  the  enemy  were  press 
ing1  out  upon  him  ;  but  he  gave  them  so  wuim  a  reception,  that 
the)  were  soon  glad  to  retire.  While  he  u  a-;  expecting  thut 
they  would  make  another  a't-mpt  uptni  him,  they  faced  about, 
and  falling  violent.lv  on  captain  Puirick,  bi'oke  through  hi* 
quarters  and  fled.  Tln^e  were  their  bravest  warriors,  t-ixty  or 
•evenly  of  whom  made  their  escape.  About  twenty  wero 
killed,  and  one  hundred  and  rig!  ty  were  taken  prisoners.  Th« 
English  also  took  hatchets,  wampum,  kettles,  trays  and  other 
Indian  utensils. 

The  Pequot  women  and  children,   who  had  been  captivated, 
were  divided  among-  the  troupe.     Sumu  were  cairicU  to 


THE  UNITED  STATB3.  69 

necticut,  and  others  to  the  Massachusetts.  The  people  of 
Massachusetts  s?nt  a  number  of  ihe  women  and  boys  to  the 
West-Indies,  and  sold  them  for  slaves.  It  was  supposed  that 
about  seven  hundred  Pequots  were  destroyed.  The  women 
who  were  captivated,  reposed,  tlr.it  thirteen  sachems  had  been 
ilain,  and  that  thirteen  yet  survived.  Among  ihe  latter  wero 
Sassacus  and  VTononotto,  Ihe  two  r'lief  sachems.  These  with 
about  twenty  of  their  b -st  men  fl  .•<!  to  the  Mo'iav  ks.  They 
carried  off  with  them  wampum  to  the  amount  of  500  pound*. 
The  Mohawks  surprised  and  slew  them  ail,  except  Monouotlo. 
They  wounded  him,  but  he  made  hi.s  escape.  Tiie  scalp  of 
6a?sacus  was  sent  to  Connecticut  in  the  fall,  and  Mr.  Ludiow 
and  several  other  gentlemen,  go'in.^  into  Massachusetts,  in 
September,  carried  a  l»ck  of  it  to  Boston,  as  a  rare  sight,  and 
a  sure  demonstration  of  the  death  of  their  mortal  enemy. 

Among  the  Peq-iot  captives  were  the  wife  and  children  of 
Mononotto.  She  w<is  particularly  noticed,  by  the  English,  for 
her  gr.-at  modesty,  humanity  and  good  sense.  She  made  ii  aa 
her  only  request.,  thv  she  migiit  not  be  injured  either  as  to  her 
offspring  or  person  ;i  I  vmor.  As  a  requital  of  her  kindness  lo 
the  captivated  maids,  ii  -r  life  and  the  lives  of  her  children  wore 
not  only  spared,  but  they  were  particularly  recommended  to 
the  care  of  governor  \Vinthrop.  lie  gave  charge  for  their 
protection  and  kind  treatment. 

After  the  swamp  fight,  the  Pcquots  became  so  weak  and 
scattered,  that  the  Narragaasets  and  Moheag.ins  constantly 
killed  thorn,  and  brought  in  iheir  heads  lo  Windsor  and  Hart 
ford.  Those  who  :-iirvived  were  so  hunfed  and  harassed,  that 
a  number  of  their  rviief  men  repaired  to  the  English,  at  Hart 
ford,  for  relief.  Th-'y  offored,  if  their  lives  might  be  spa-ed. 
that  they  would  become  the  servaiits  of  the  En^isti,  and  bd 
disposed  of  at  their  pleasure.  This  was  granted,  and  the  court 
interposed  for  their  protection. 

Uncas  ami  MianUmimoh,  with  the  Pequots,  by  ihe  direction 
of  the  magistrates  of  Connecticut,  met  at  Ilartftrd;  and  it 
was  demanded  by  them,  l;o\v  many  of  thu  Pequots  were  yet 
living?  they  answered,  about  two  hundred,  besides  women  and 
children.  The  magistrates  then  entered  into  a  fr  m  covenant 
with  them,  to  the  following  cff  ct :  that  there  should  be  per 
petual  peace  between  M lantpitimoh  and  Uncas,  and  their  res 
pective  Indians  ;  and  that  all  past  injuries  should  be  remitted, 
and  for  ever  buried  :  that  if  any  injuries  should  be  done,  iu 
future,  by  one  party  to  the  other,  lhat  they  should  not  im 
mediately  revenge  it,  but  appeal  to  the  English  to  do  them 
justice.  It. was  stipulated,  that  they  should  submit  to  their 
determination,  and  that  if  ei;her  party  should  be  obstinate,  that 
then  they  might  enforce  submission,  to  tbeir  decisions.  It  w»u 


70  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

further  agreed,  that  neither  the  Moheagans,  nor  Narragansete 
should  conceal,  nor  entertain  any  ot  their  enemies  ;  but.  deliver 
up  or  destroy  nil  such  Indians  as  had  murdered  any  English 
man  or  woman.  The  English  (hen  gave  the  Pequot  Indians  to 
the  Nanajransets  and  Moheagnns  ;  eisrhty  to  Miantonimoh, 
twenty  to  Ninnigret,  and  the  oilier  hundred  to  Uncas  ;  to  bo 
received  and  treated  as  their  men.  It  was  also  covenanted, 
that  the  Pcquots  should  nevt  r  more  inhabit  their  native  coun- 
tiy,  nor  he  called  Peqtiofs,  but  Narragan«ets  and  Moheagans. 
It  was  also  further  stipulated,  that  neither  the  Narrag-anseti 
nor  Moheagans  should  pos-ess  any  part  of  tiie  Pequot  country 
without  the  consent  of  the  English.  The  Pequots  were  to 
pay  a  tribute,  at  Connecticut,  annually,  of  a  fathwm  of  wam- 
pumpeag  for  every  Sannop,  of  half  a  fathom  for  every  young 
man,  and  of  a  hand  for  every  male  papoose.  On  these  con 
ditions  the  magistrates,  in  behalf  of  the  cubny,  stipulated  a 
firm  peace  with  all  the  Indians. 

The  conquest  of  Ihe  Pequots  struck  all  the  Indians  in  New- 
England  with  terror,  and  they  were  possessed  with  such  fear 
of  the  displeasure  and  arms  of  the  English,  that  they  had  no 
open  war  with  -hem  for  nearly  forty  years. 

This  happy  event  gave  great  joy  to  the  colonies.  A  day  of 
public  thanksgiving  was  appointed  ;  and,  in  all  the  churches  of 
New  England,  devout  and  animated  prases  were  addressed  to 
Him,  who  givetli  his  people  the  victory,  and  cuuseih  them  to 
dwell  safely. 

Th^  war  with  the  Pequots  led  to  the  discovery  of  Quinna- 
piack  (now  New  Haven.)  Air.  Eaton,  Mr.  Hopkins,  Mr.  Da 
venport,  and  several  others  commenced  a  settlement ;  and  on 
the  18th  of  April,  1638,  they  kept  the  first  sabbath  in  that 
place.  They  assembled  under  a  large  spreading  oak;  and 
Mr.  Davenport  pi  cached  to  them  from  iVIalthew  6:  1. 

On  the  first,  of  June,  about  three  or  fnir  o'clock  in  the  after 
noon,  Wcis  a  g'reai  earthquake  throughout  New  England.  The 
chock  w:is  so  grvat,  that  a  number  of  chimneys  were  thrown 
down;  the  earth  by  turns  was  unquiet  for  fifteen  days. 

In  addition  to  the  town  of  New  Haven,  several  other  towna 
were  soon  commenced,  which  were  included  in  this  colony. 
In  1633,  commenced  the  towns  of  Guilford,  and  Milford. 
Stamford  was  settled  in  1641  :  soon  after  began  the  town  of 
Branford.  Some  sett  ements  on  Long  Island  were  included  in 
the  colony  of  New  Haven. 

The  colony  of  New-Hampshire,  which  now  holds  a  distin 
guished  rank  among  the  New-England  States,  though  it» 
eetilement  began  at  a  very  early  period,  did  not  become  a 
separate  colony  till  many  years  alter  that  settlement  commen 
ced.  Capt.  Smith,  of  Virginia,  who  sailed  along  the  shore  ef 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  71 

New  England  in  1614,  and  published  a  chart  of  the  coast, 
with  some  account  of  the  country,  discovered  the  river  Fiscal- 
aqua.  He  found  the  river  to  be  large,  tr.e  harbor  capricious 
and  safe,  and  grave  a  favourable  representation  of  the  place  as 
a  Eite  for  a  new  plantation. 

Gorjres  and  Ma;  on,  two  mrmbrrs  of  the  council  of  Plymouth, 
in  England,  having  obtained  from  the  council  a  jrrant  of  that 
tract  of  country,  attempted  the  estish'i.-liment  of  a  colony  and 
fishery  at  the  river  Pise  taqui.  In  the  spring  of  the  year 
1623,  tliey  sent  over  n  f,-w  persons  fur  this  purpose,  who  sat 
down  on  the  south  side  of  the  river  near  its?  mouth,  and  there 
fixed  a  temporary  residence.  This  u  as  t  he  brainning  of  the 
excellent  and  flourishing  town  of  Portsmouth.  The  «>aine  year, 
two  of  the  company  erected  a  n>h-house  at  the  pl.ice  of  the 
present  town  of  Dover.  These  sot  t  laments,  f«r  several  years, 
were  small,  and  srorcely  permanent.  In  1629,  smne  of  the 
settlers  about  the  Massachusetts-Bay,  wUhiiiir  to  unite  with 
the  settlement  at.  P^cat;  q<ia,  they  assembled  the  chiefs  of 
teveral  Indian  tribes  at  b'qsutmscot  fiills,  now  Exeter,  and,  for  a 
valuable  consideration,  made  n  purchase  of  an  ex'ensive  tract 
of  land.  In  the  instrument  of  conveyance,  th;»  natives  express 
a  ''desire  to  have  the  English  come  and  settle  among  them, 
as  among  their  count rymen  in  iNUtssacnusetts."  After  this 
purchase,  the  plantation  had  a  moileia'e  increase,  but  no  new 
settlements  were  made  till  the  \rar  1638,  which  \\as  tlie  be 
ginning  of  the  town  of  Exeter  and  Hamp'on. 

The  people  at  Dn-er  early  erected  a  convenient  meeting 
house,  which  was  afterward*)  improved  as  a  fortification.  A 
church  was  soon  organized,  of  a  character  similar  to  the  church- 
es  in  the  neighbouring  eoloriie<  ;  an  1  Mr.  Wiihain  Leverich, 
a  worthy  and  able  puritan  divino,  came  from  Emrhnd  in  1633, 
and  became  their  minister.  Tne  settlement  at  Portsmouth,  in 
their  infant  state,  erected  a  house  for  divine  wo? ship,  and  en 
joyed,  successively,  the  labours  of  several  faithful  minister.". 
The  mini.-tn  of  one  of  these.  Mr.  James  Parker,  was  attended 
with  much  success.  But  the  town  had  no  settled  minister  till 
a  number  of  years  after  its  settlement. 

The  people  who  made  the  set:lemcnt  of  Evjter,  in  1633, 
were  mostly  from  Boston.  Having  been  regularly  dismissed 
from  the  church  in  that  town,  they  immediately  united  in  a 
church  relation,  on  the  principles  of  their  mother  church.  As 
they  judged  their  settlement  to  be  without  the  jurisdiction  of 
Massachusetts,  they  formed  themselves  into  a  body  politic, 
chose  rulers  and  assistants,  who  were  sworn  to  the  proper  ex 
ecution  of  their  respective  offices,  and  a  coi respondent  oath  of 
obedience  wa&  taken  by  the  people.  In  this  political  compact, 
we  have  an  instance  of  civil  government  in  its  simplest,  per* 


72  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

haps,  in  its  pvirest  form.  The  magistrates,  who  were  few,  were 
vested  with  Iegislative.judici.il,  ami  executive  authority.  The 
settlements  at  Portsmouth  and  Dover,  for  several  years,  wera 
governed,  principally,  by  airtMits  sent  <  ver  by  the  proprietors  in 
England.  Having  experienced  many  inconveniences  from  this 
mode  of  government,  they,  separately,  forming  u  civil-compact, 
after  the  example  of  their  neighbour*  at  Exeiei,  enacted  and 
enforced  their  own  laws.  The  combination  at  Dover  was 
similar  to  the  one  at  Exeter;  at  Iporternouth  they  had  a  chief 
magistrate, annually  elected,  styled  a.  govoinor. 

These  settlements  for  many  years,  lived  peaceably  with  tho 
natives,  and,  from  their  great  advantages  for  fishery,  ex 
perienced  less  of  the  evils  of  famine  than  the  neighbouring 
colonies.  Placed  in  distinct  civil  communities,  ihey  soon  found 
themselves  exposed  to  a  vaiie.ty  of  difficulties,  and  peculiarly 
defenceless  it)  the  event  of  trouble  frcru  an  enemy.  Their  cor 
porations  were  necessarily  weak,  and  exposed  to  the  intrusion 
of  vagrants  and  outlaws,  who  would  not  submit  in  the  steady 
government  which  was  maintained  in  the  c 'ionies  of  Massa 
chusetts  and  Plymouth.  Had  these  political  combinations  been 
left  to  the  management  of  their  original  framers  and  their 
posterity,  they  might  have  exhibited  an  example  of  the  finest 
republics  on  historic  recotd.  But  the  constant  influx  of  immi 
grants,  and  of  demagogues  invited  by  their  weakness,  rendered 
ttiis  expectation  hopeless.  These  considerations  induced  the 
settlement  to  desire  a  union  with  the  coli  ny  of  Massachusetts. 
The  subject  having  been  for  some  time  in  agitation,  in  the  year 
1641,  the  settlements  on  and  near  ihe  PL-cataqua,  submitted  to 
the  jurisdiction  of  Massachusetts,  on  condition  pf  enjoying  equal 
privileges  with  the  people  of  that  colony,  and  having  a  court 
of  justice  maintained  among  themselves.  They  were  cordially 
accepted  by  that  government,  and  thus,  by  a  solemn  compact, 
became  a  part  of  the  colony  of  Massachusetts. — From  this 
time,  the  settlements  advanced  in  a  more  rapid  progress,  and 
in  greater  security  ;  and  their  civil  and  ecclesiastical  history 
becomes  one  with  the  colony  of  which  they  now  constituted  a 
respectable  portion.  This  union  continued  till  the  year  1679, 
when,  by  the  authority  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  New- 
Hampshire  was  separated  fiom  the  government  of  Massachu 
setts,  and  became  a  ro\al  province. 

One  of  the  most  prominent  characters  in  the  early  history  of 
New-England,  was  Roger  Williams.  He  was  a  man  of  con 
siderable  ability  and  learning,  active  and  diligent  in  his  pur 
suits,  humane  and  benevolent  in  his  character*  ever  fond  of 
novelty  and  change.  Previous  to  his  comirg  to  America,  Mr. 
Williams  was  a  minister  in  the  Ghurc!.  of  England.  He  came 
to  New-England  in  the  year  1631,  and  resided  two  year*  at 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  73 

Plymouth.  He  there  exercised  his  ministerial  functions,  oc 
casionally,  to  good  acceptance.  During  his  residence  at  Ply 
mouth,  his  conduct  was  inoffensive,  and  his  character  naturally 
mild,  to  that  he  ever  after  retained  the  esteem  of  the  people  of 
that  colony.  In  1633,  he  removed  to  Salem,  and,  on  the  death 
of  their  excellent  minister,  Mr.  Skelton,  the  church  in  that 
town  invited  Mr.  Williams  to  become  their  pastor.  During 
his  connexion  with  the  church  at  Salem,  Mr.  Williams  incul 
cated  many  opinions  which  were  disapproved  by  the  govern 
ment  and  churches  of  the  colony,  which  it  was  thought  would 
prejudice  their  interests  in  the  view  of  the  met'ier  country, 
and  destroy  that  system  of  civil  and  ecclesiastical  polity  on 
which  the  colony  existed.  After  much  faithful  and  friendly 
dealing,  Mr.  Williams  heirs;  ...  Ailing  to  renounce  or  conceal 
the  sentiments  which  he  e^;er:ained,  in  1635,  ho  was  directed 
by  the  government  to  depart  from  the  j  ir  .diction  of  Massachu 
setts.  He  removed  with  a  few  follovA.:r-s  and  sat  down  within 
the  Plymouth  jurisdiction,  in  t'-ie  present  town  of  [lehoboth. 
The  year  following,  at  tin;  d.-Mre  of  Governor  Winslow,  lest 
the  government  of  ;Vlassncltu-;i'Us  slmuM  take  umbrage  at  his 
remaining1  within  the  P»ymouth  jurisdiction,  he  crossed  the 
Pawtucket  River,  and.  with  about  iwc-nfv  seMlers,  laid  the 
foundation  of  the  present  opulent  and  fl-nirislii'-o-  town  «>f  Pro 
vidence,  flies*; dissensions  were  conducted  in  suci>  a  manner, 
that  no  personal  alienation  ai  pears  to  have  taken  pi  .c1  between 
Mr.  Williams  ami  Governor  Winthrnp,  and  a  constant  inter 
change  of  good  office.-  rxi-rU-d  between  the  Providoii'-e  Phnta- 
tion  and  the  Massacliosflfs  :  id  PlTDiotith  Colonies.  In  the 
war  with  the  PequniJ-s  iu  1^.'".  theie  was  a  c^niial  co-orora- 
tion  of  all  the  p'uuNitioii:- P:;.  . ..-  ihe  common  enemy.  Proba- 
bly  no  individual  of  the  ni  ..:"do  greater  and  n:oie  Kiiccessful" 
exertions  to  maintain  thy  pence  of  \\\r-  coloniis  with  the  natives; 
and,  living  in  the  vieinry  of  several  powerful  tnbes,  lie  was 
vigilant  in  discovering  iheif  d  -.-i^ns,  ;tud  «avo  the  oilier  colonies 
timely  notice  of  their  hos'ili-  maeiiinali'Ui-. 

Mr.  Williams,  for  fame  yeso*,  established  no  particul»r  church 
o^der,  inviting  jiersous  uf  :ill  religious  &uiuiiu-.-ivs  to  unite  with 
his  rising  plantation.  After  a  few  years,  ho  and  several  of  h'is 
people  renounced  ih«i  l»p  i>  i  of  rh»-ir  iufancv,  wore  re-bap 
tized,  and  united  in  :i  cmitcli,  whicli  was.  I  h  !i^v»»,  t!ie  first 
Baptist  church  in  N*MV  E:sg!  \nd.  On  »cconnt  of  differoncea 
of  sentiment  whicii,  su!i--.->nir-nrly,  p:««vail»Hi  iu  the  church,  in 
the  year  1353,  it  w.-is  <h\  i  !o  I  :\n«l  became  tw.>  churches — Mr. 
Williams  pu'Cuas.'d  in-;  ^-uis  of  hi-*  i  I  i  ;M  i  »M  of  the  'lii  Jian 
proprietors,  and  no  m  v\  c  .j  >ye(l  iln-ir  c.uifiilence  in  n  higher 
degree.  Ho  w;is  ;h  .  Vtlit-t  ot'ih"  c  )iny,  snJ.  fir  some  time, 
he  appear*  to  have  poj^s^ed  and  exercised  the  pritrcrpal  ptfweri 


71  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

»t"  government  which  existed.  In  some  of  the  first  years  of 
the  Providence  plantation  the  people  suffered  very  sensibly 
trom  scarcity-  The  product  of  their  forests  and  rivers  saved 
them  from  perishing  by  famine.  The  most  of  the  fathers  of 
New-England  experienced  the  evils  of  war  and  famine,  in  a 
degree  of  which  their  posterity  are  unable  to  form  any  ade 
quate  conception. 

At  the  time  of  the  banishment  of  Mrs.  Hutchinson  from 
Massachusetts,  several  people  who  had  favoured  her  religious 
opinions,  and  of  course,  differed  in  principle  from  the  prevailing 
sentiments  of  the  churches,  chose  to  remove  from  the  colony. 
One  of  these  was  Mr.  William  Coddington  ;  a  gentleman  of 
education  and  affluence,  who  had  been  for  several  years  an 
assistant,  and  one  of  the  most  worthy  magistrates  of  the  Mas 
sachusetts  government.  In  the  year  1638,  Mr.  Coddington 
with  a  few  others,  removed  to  Narraganset  Bay,  and  commen 
ced  the  settlement  of  Rhode  Island.  These  planters  immedi 
ately,  united  in  a  civil  compact,  to  which  Mr.  Coddington  and 
seventeen  others  subscribed  their  names.  This  infant  planta 
tion  furnishes  an  instance  of  something  of  the  simplicity  and 
natural  existence  of  a  patriarchal  government.  Mr.  Codding 
ton,  a  man  of  great  virtue  and  natural  dignity  of  character, 
possessing  the  confidence  of  all,  was  created  their  magistrate, 
to  whom  were  delegated  the  necessary  powers  of  civil  govern 
ment.  By  the  friendly  assistance  of  Mr.  Williams,  he  pur 
chased  the  island  of  the  Indians,  and  in  consequence  of  ita 
pleasantness  and  fertility,  in  a  few  years,  it  became  a'flourish- 
ing  settlement.  In  the  year  1644,  a  Baptist  church  was  formed 
in  Newport,  which  was  afterwards  divided  into  two.  A  con- 
gicgational  church  was  formed  in  Newport  in  1720;  and  a 
second  one,  in  1728.  These  two  churches  afterwards  enjoyed 
the  ministry  of  two  of  the  most  eminent  American  divines  of 
the  last  century,  President  Stiles  and  Dr.  Hopkins. 

These  settlements  being  destitute  of  any  chartered  govern 
ment  from  the  mother  country,  in  1643,  Mr.  Williams  went  to 
England,  and  by  the  assistance  of  Mr.  Vane,  who  had  been 
governor  of  Massachusetts,  obtained  a  liberal  charter  of  incor 
poration  of  Providence  and  Rhode  Island  Plantations.  The 
form  of  government  provided  by  this  incorporation  was  essen 
tially  similar  to  that  established  in  the  adjacent  colonies.  Mr. 
Williams  lived  to  a  great  age,  and  was  chosen  several  timeg 
governor  of  the  colony. 

As  early  as  the  year  1607,  some  of  the  Patentees  of  the 
northern  colony  of  Virginia  began  a  settlement  at  the  mouth  of 
the  river  Sagadahock,  now  Kennebeck.  They  laid  the  plan  of 
an  extensive  and  opulent  state.  But  in  consequence  of  the 
of  the  principal  patrons,  and  the  severities  endured  by 


THE   UNITED  STATES.  75 

the  planters,  the  settlement  broke  up  the  following  year,  and 
those  who  were  living  returned  to  England.  The  first  perma 
nent  settlements  made  within  the  District  of  Maine,  commen 
ced  about  the  year  1630.  The  oldest  (owns  are  Kittery  and 
York.  In  the  year  1635,  Sir  Ferdinando  Gorges  obtained  from 
the  council  of  Plymouth  a  grant  of  the  tract  of  land  lying 
between  the  rivers  Saaadahock  and  Piscatciqua.  It  is  suppos 
ed  that  he  instituted  civil  government  in  the  province.  Courts 
were  held  as  early  as  1636,  who  appear  to  have  exercised  legis 
lative  and  judicial  powers.  In  1639,  Gorges  obtained  from 
the  Crown  a  charter,  conveying  the  amplest  powers  of  juris 
diction.  He  appointed  a  governor  and  council  who  administer 
ed  justice  to  the  people  to  iheir  general  satisfaction,  for  a  num 
ber  of  years.  Alter  the  death  of  the  proprietor,  these  powei« 
of  government  were  generally  supposed  to  have  expired.  The 
different  settlements  formed  some  kind  of  voluntary  compact?, 
and  elected  their  own  rulers.  But  the  people,  soon  perceiving 
the  inconveniences  of  this  state  of  things,  in  the  year  J652, 
united  with  the  government  of  Massachusetts,  and  became  an 
integral  part  of  that  Colony. 

In  the  first  settlements,  churches  were  early  established,  who 
enjoyed  the  labours  of  some  of  the  worthiest  ministers  of  their 
time.  In  general,  their  early  civil  and  religious  institution 
were  very  similar  to  those  of  Massachusetts. 

No  part  of  New-England  has  suffered  so  much  from  the  hos 
tility  of  the  natives,  as  the  District  of  Maine.  Many  ferocious 
tribes  of  savages  were  settled  on  the  rivers  with  which  trie 
country  abounds,  and  fiom  the  small  progress  made  by  the 
settlements  for  a  lonor  period,  they  were  unable  to  subdue 
their  power,  or  prevent  their  predatory  incursions.  From  tt>« 
proximity  of  that  district  to  Canada,  in  all  the  wars  between 
England  and  France  for  a  century  after  its  first  settlement, 
they  were  exposed  to  the  hostile  incursions  of  the  savage--, 
stimulated  by  a  most  artful  and  unfeeling  enemy.  Many  of 
their  towns  have  been  pillaged  and  burnt,  and  many  of  the  peo 
ple  made  captives  and  s'ain.  So  late  as  the  war  of  1745,  inauv 
of  the  towns  suffered  severely  from  savage  hostility. 

The  State  of  Vermont,  the  youngest  of  the  New-Engiuod 
Sta  es,  has  advanced  in  population  and  wealth  more  rapid]*-, 
than  either  of  the  others,  and  holds  a  respectable  rank  in  llu'ir 
number.  The  tract  of  country  composing  that  etate,  lying 
between  the  states  of  New  Hampshire  and  New-York,  to 
which  both  laid  an  imperfect  claim,  remained  long  unoccupied. 
In  the  year  1724,  in  the  time  of  a  severe  Indian  war,  the  go 
vernment  of  Massachusetts  erected  Fort  Dummer,  within  ff,« 
present  town  of  Brattleborough,  and  commenced  a  small  set 
tlement  near  the  foit,  This  was  then  supposed  to  be  w'.thiu 


76  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

the  limits  of  Massachusetts;  but,  on  running  the  province  line» 
in  1741,  it  fell  within  the  state  of  Vermont.  In  the  year  1731, 
the  French  from  Canada  erected  the  well-built  fort  at  Crown 
Point,  on  the  west  side  of  Lake  Cliamplain,  and,  soon  after 
began  a  settlement  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  lake  opposite  to 
the  fort. 

From  the  time  in  which  the  provincial  line  between  Massa 
chusetts  and  New- Hampshire  was  ascertained,  till  after  the 
peace  of  1763,  when  it  became  a  subject  of  controversy,  the 
territory  of  Vermont  was  considered  as  belonging  to  JNew 
Hampshire.  The  town  of  Bennington,  as  it  is  one  of  the  best, 
is  considered  the  oldest  town  in  the  state.  This  township  waa 
granted  to  certain  proprietors,  in  the  year  1749,  by  the  Gover 
nor*  of  New  Hampshire,  and  called  after  his  name.  Soon 
after  this  grant,  the  settlement  of  that  town  commenced.  In 
four  or  five  of  the  following-  years,  a  few  other  towns  were 
granted  by  the  government  of  New  Hampshire,  on  the  western 
side  of  Connecticut  River.  The  war  of  1755  put  a  stop  to 
these  grants  and  settlements.  In  the  progress  of  the  war,  the 
territory  of  Vermont  became  the  scene  of  military  operations. 
These  events  produced  a  general  acquaintance  with  many- 
parts  of  the  country,  and  towards  the  conclusion  of  the  war, 
extensive  grants  of  townships  were  made  by  the  New  Hamp 
shire  government,  and  numerous  openings  were  made  in  the 
wilderness.  From  1764  to  the  commencement  of  the  American 
war,  the  new  setilers  were  harassed  with  conflicting  claims  to 
their  territory,  maintained  by  the  provinces  of  New  Hampshire 
and  New-York.  Notwithstanding1  these  embarrassments  the 
infant  settlements  gradually  increased  by  emigrations  from  the 
several  New-England  provinces.  At  the  commencement  of 
the  war  of  1775,  the  people  of  Vermont  warmly  espoused  the 
American  cause,  and  during  its  continuance  performed  many 
important  services.  As  the  authority  of  the  royal  governments 
became  disavowed,  the  people  finding  themselves  wholly  des 
titute  of  any  bonds  of  civil  government,  public  sentiment  natu 
rally  adverted  to  the  necessity  of  some  political  regulations  for 
the  general  safely.  There  having  been  several  conventions  of 
committees  of  towns,  to  deliberate  on  measures  to  be  pursued, 
in  January,  1777,  a  convention  of  delegates  from  the  respec 
tive'  towns,  held  at  Westminster,  resolved  that  the  territory 
now  included  in  that  state,  should  "  be  considered  as  a  free 
and  independent  jurisdiction  of  state  :  to  be  for  ever  hereafter 
called,  known,  and  distinguished,  by  the  name  of  New  Con 
necticut,  alias  Vermont."  From  this  period,  Vermont  became 

*  Cenaing  Went  worth. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  77 

tin  independent  state;  and  in  1791,  was  admitted  a  member  af 
the  American  union. 

Tiie  settlers  of  Vermont  were  mostly  emigrants  from  Con 
necticut,  and  for  several  years  afier  the  peace  of  1733,  their 
number  increased  with  an  unprecedented  rapidity.  Their  civil 
and  religious  institutions  ^ere  generally  copied  fiom  those  ex 
isting  in  Connecticut.  A  congregational  church  was  early  es- 
tabiu-hed  at  Benniugton,  and  continued  many  years  under  the 
ministry  of  the  pious  and  worthy  Mr.  Dewey.  In  most  of  the 
town?,  churches  were  established  at  an  early  period  of  their 
settlement,  who  have  enjoyed  the  labours  of  many  able  and 
faithful  ministers  of  Christ.  The  churches  and  ministers  in 
Vermont  have  been  remarkable  for  uniformity  in  religious  sen 
timent  and  practice;  conformable  to  the  CulvinUlic  system, 
and  to  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel  so  ably  vindicated  by  several 
New-England  divines  of  tin;  last  century.  The  late  Dr.  Job 
Swift,  who  has  been  styled  the  Apo»tle  of  Vermont,  not  more 
distinguished  for  abilities  and  piety  than  for  indefatigable  la 
bours,  was  an  eminent  instrument  of  organizing  and  establish 
ing  the  churches  and  religious  institutions  of  the  state,  and  was 
an  unshaken  pillar  of  divine  truth.,  in  the  midst  of  his  labours 
in  the  service  of  his  -Master  and  his  fellow-men,  was  suddenly 
removed  to  his  eternal  rest.  The  churches  and  people  of  the 
e'ate  have  been  favoured  with  many  gracious  manifestations  of 
ti.e  special  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  reviving  the  in 
terests  of  vital  religion,  and  bringing  many  souls  into  the  holy 
.kingdom  of  the  Redeemer. 

Probably  no  instance  can  be  found  in  the  history  of  men, 
where  ail  public  institutions,  of  a  civil,  moral  and  religious 
character,  are  held  so  entirely  under  the  constant  control  of 
pab;ic  sentiment,  as  in  the  state  of  Vermont.  It  is  earnestly 
lioped,  that  though  the  merciful  fivour  of  Heaven,  that  people 
may  be  long  worthy  of  the  postescion  ef  the  .many  psivilege* 
which  they  now  enjoy- 

Remirkt  upon  the  Religion  of  the  Colony* 

It  is  a  verjvsingular  fact,  that,  while  the  Eng  ish  govern 
ment,  and  all  the  ecclesiastical  authority,  were  usinor  their 
most  vigilant  exertions  to  suppress  evangelical  religion,  and 
put  an  effectual  stop  to  the  progress  of  psirilanism,  and  while 
the  New-England  colonies  wtre  formed  for  the  express  purpose 
of  the  promotion  of  these  objects,  they  were  suffered  to  pro 
ceed  with  very  little  molestation.  The  company  that  formed 
the  settlement  of  Plymouth,  having1  long  experienced  the  se 
verities  of  ecclesiastical  tyranny,  vvpre  fearful  of  forming  a 


78  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

settlement  in  any  of  the  dominions  of  the  British  king,  without 
a  promise  that  they  should  not  be  obstructed  in  the  free  ex 
ercise  of  their  religion.  Frequent  and  earnest  solicitations 
were  made  to  the  royal  court  for  such  a  permission.  But  aa 
such  a  concession  would  not  comport  with  the  maxims  of 
a  bigoted  prince  and  a  persecuting1  prelate,  it  was  never  ob 
tained.  The  adventurers,  therefore,  committed  their  case  ttv 
the  protection  of  God,  and  they  were  not  disappointed.  The- 
succeeding  companies,  though  many  important  civil  privileges 
were  secured  to  them  by  patent,  could  obtain  no  more  than  in 
direct  intimations  that  they  might  enjoy  liberty  of  conscience 
in  the  services  of  religion.  They  hoped,  indeed,  that  the  God 
whom  they  served,  would  remember  their  want?,  and  that  the 
distance  of  three  thousand  miles  would  mitigate  the  rage  of 
persecution.  The  religious  order  which  they  established  was 
directly  opposed  to  the  sentiments  of  the  government,  and  was 
such  as  they  had  long  laboured  to  fcuppress.  But  through  the 
interference  of  various  causes,  in  which  the  hand  of  God  was 
peculiarly  visible,  thoy  were  left  undisturbed,  till  their  churches 
had  become  firmly  established.  Archbishop  Laud  resolved  at 
length,  to  interfere,  and  subject  the  colonies  to  the  earne 
ocCiesiastieal  order  as  the  mother  country.  But  his  death 
soon  put  an  end  to  the  design.  The  long  period  of  the  civil 
war?,  and  the  commonwealth  which  then  succeeded,  enabled 
the  ecclesiastical  institutions  of  the  colonies  to  acquire  such  a 
consistence  as  could  noi  easily  be  dissolved.  That  remarkable 
interval  in  the  English  monarchy,  of  which  there  has  been  no- 
equal  in  ten  centuries,  was  the  occasion  of  the  establishment 
of  the  gospel  order  in  the  New  England  churches.  How  un 
searchable  and  holy  are  the  appointments  of  God  ! 

The  diyine  interposition  in  favour  of  the  early  settlement  of 
this  land,  was  signally  manifest  in  the  removal  and  restraint  of 
the  natives.  Their  disposition  is  naturally  jealous,  and  almost 
every  cause  existed  to  excite  their  hostility  ugainst  the  colo 
nies.  This,  however,  was  in  a  great  measure  prevented. 
Three  years  before  the  landing  of  the  planters  at  Plymouth, 
»n  epidemical  disease  raged  in  all  that  part  of  the  country 
with  such  violence,  that  many  of  their  principal  stations  were 
nearly  depopulated,  and  many  of  tho  tribes  almost  annihilated. 
Had  not  God  thus  driven  out  the  heathen  before  them,  that 
little  band,  few,  sickly,  and  almost  famished,  to  human  ap 
pearance,  must,  have  become  the  victims  of  savage  cruelty.  In 
1634,  the  sm ill-pox  made  great  desolation  among  the  native* 
in  the  viciniiy  of  the  Massachusetts  and  Plymouth  colonies. 
A  little  previous  to  the  commencement  of  'he  Christian  settle 
ments,  lon^-  wars  had  prevailed  among  several  of  the  tribof, 
tvbich  had  been  attended  with  great  animosity,  and  the  aevtrmt 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  ?f 

acts  of  injustice  and  cruelty.  These  animosities  continued, 
and  proved  an  insuperable  obstacle  to  a  general  union  for  the 
extirpation  of  the  colonies.  While  many  of  the  most  artful 
and  implacable  savages  were  erer  labouring  to  effect  such  a 
combination,  their  enemies  would  reveal  their  machinations  to 
the  English,  and  would  frequently  form  alliances  with  them 
cgainst  the  power  of  their  ancient  oppressors.  Thus,  there 
was  never  any  general  Indian  war  till  more  than  forty  yeari 
after  the  settlement  of  the  colonies.  They  had  then  become 
able  to  resist  all  their  force. 

In  many  individual  occurrences,  the  special  interposition  of 
Heaven,  in  favour  of  our  ancestors,  was  eminently  manifest.  In 
•everal  instances,  they  were  in  the  utmost  danger  of  perishing 
by  famine,  but  were  providentially  relieved.  Relief  frequently 
appeared,  when,  according  to  all  human  calculations,  it  could 
not  have  been  expected.  The  first  winter  after  the  arrival  of 
the  numerous  company  in  Massachusetts,  the  weather  was  very 
•evere,  and  in  the  depth  of  winter,  their  provisions  universally 
failed  ;  the  first  families  were  reduced  to  the  last  baking  of 
bread.  At  this  juncture,  while  all  knees  bended  before  God, 
the  ship  Lion,  with  a  large  supply,  arrived  at  Boston.  She  hed 
had  a  stormy  passage,  and  rode  amid  heavy  drifts  of  ice  in  the  har 
bour.  But  its  great  Pilot  brought  her  safe  to  shore. — In  the 
drought  at  PI)  mouth,  the  second  summer  of  the  settlement, 
their  corn,  which  was  their  whole  dependence,  appeared  irre 
coverably  gone,  the  leaves  and  stalks  were  generally  withered. 
On  a  day  of  solemn  fasting,  the  rains  of  heaven  began  to  de- 
cend  in  a  gentle  and  copious  manner,  and  contrary  to  all  ex 
pectation  of  English  and  Indians,  produced  a  plentiful  crop. — 
The  first  winter  of  the  settlement  of  Connecticut,  on  the  fail 
ure  of  the  expected  supplies,  about  seveistv  persons  travelled 
down  the  river,  as  the  only  means  of  saving  their  lives,  in  hopes 
to  meet  their  provisions.  Being  disappointed,  they  went  on 
board  a  vessel,  firmly  bound  in  the  ice.  By  a  eudden  thaw  the 
vessel  was  soon  released,  and  with  a  favourable  passage,  sailed 
in  five  days  to  Boston.  They  could  not  have  subsisted  five 
days  longer.  In  the  war  with  the  Pequots,  it  was  scarcely  lesi 
evident  that  God  fought  for  his  people,  than  in  the  most  suc 
cessful  wars  of  his  ancient  Israel. 

The  special  agency  of  God  in  behalf  of  our  fathers,  appear* 
in  preserving  them  from  sinking  in  despondency.  Never  were 
euch  trials,  such  discouragement?,  euch  fearful  dangers,  ap 
pointed  for  any  other  peop>e  Hut  they  wore  never  dishearten 
ed  ;  they  never  sunk  under  th<;ir  d'fficulfifs  or  prospects  ;  they 
never  regretted  that  they  had  undertaken  this  great  design, 
tnd  they  never  lost  their  confidence  that  God  would  do  good 
for  hii  churches  in  IS'ew  England.  Oftentimes,  nothing 


80  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

apeared  before  them  but  remediless  ruin,  yet  their  great  maxim 
ever  was,  Although  the  Jig-tree  shaft  not  blossom,  neither  shall 
fruit  be  in  the  vine  ;  the  labour  of  the  olive  shall  fail,  and  ths 
fields  shallyield  no  meat  ;  the  flock  shall  be  cut  off  from  the  fold, 
and  there  shall  be  no  herd  in  the  stalls  ;  yet  I  nil  I  rejoice  in  thi 
Lord)  I  will  joy  in  the  God  of  my  salvation. 

In  1656,  Quakers  made  their  first  appearance  in  the  Massa 
chusetts  colony  ;  but  the  Legislature  passed  laws  for  their  ban 
ishment  ;  but  as  the  colony  continued  to  be  molested,  it  was 
enacted,  that  any  Quaker  return;ng  from  banishment  to  renew 
his  practices  against  the  colony  should  be  put  to  death.  Under 
this  law  four  persons  were  executed. 

Any  master  of  any  vessel  that  should  bring  any  of  this  sect 
into  the  jurisdiction  of  Massachusetts  should  be  subject  to  a 
fine  of  one  hundred  pounds. 

The  Roman  Catholics  first  came  to  America  in  1632. 

The  first  Baptist  Church  in  America,  was  formed  at  Provi 
dence,  in  1639. 

Manners  and  Customs. — The  laws  of  the  colonies,  in  1639, 
prohibited  the  custom  of  drinking  healths.  In  1651,  the  legis 
lature  passed  laws  prohibiting  all  persons  whose  estate  did  not 
exceed  two  hundred  pounds,  from  wearing  any  gold  or  silver 
luce  or  any  bone  lace  that  cost  above  two  shillings  per  yard, 
the  selectmen  was  authorised  to  take  notice  of  the  fashions  the 
apparel  of  the  people  eripecially  in  wearing  of  ribands  and  great 
boots. 

In  1647,  it  was  ordered,  that  no  person  under  the  age  of 
twenty  years,  should  use  any  tobacco,  unless  he  should  bring 
a  certificate  from  a  Physician,  that  it  was  useful  to  him. 

Agriculture  was  first  attended  to  by  clearing  the  forests; 
by  cutting  down  the  trees,  and  digging  up  the  sunups,  befora 
tillage.  The  first  neat  cattle  were  brought  into  New  England 
by  Mr.  Winslow  in  1624.  In  1633  the  cattle  in  Virginia  bad 
increased  to  about  1000  head.  They  also  raised  a  large  quan 
tity  of  wheat  and  rye  ;  some  peas,  beans,  flax  and  hemp. 

Commerce. — The  colony  imported  all  their  merchandise  from 
England  :  and  exported  thither  peltry,  tobacco,  beef,  pork, 
grain,  and  fish.  The  importations  from  England  much  ex 
ceeded  the  exports  thither.  The  skins  of  deer,  elk,  buffalo,  and 
the  furs  of  others,  hare,  fox,  muskrat,  and  beaver,  were  pur 
chased  of  the  Indians,  for  ruin,  blankets,  &c.  and  exported  to 
England. 

Arts  and  Manufactures. — In  1620,  100  persons  came  from 
England,  lo  carry  on  the  Manufacture  of  silk,  potash,  tar,  pitch, 
gla^s,  and  salt.;  but  did  not  succeed.  All  cordage,  sail  cloth, 
and  mats,  came  from  England.  Brick  and  fiamtd  houses  were 
won  built  in  large  tew  RE.  Tie  first  mill  was  a  wind  will, 


THE    UNITED  STATES,  81 

near  Waterfown.  The  first  vessel  was  built  in  Massachusetts  ; 
which  was  called  the  Blessing  of  the  Bay.  In  1633,  a  ship  of 
60  tons  was  built  at  Medford.  In  1636,  one  was  built  of  120 
tons  at  Marblehead.  In  1641,  one  was  built  at  Salem,  of  300 
tons,  and  another  of  160  tons,  at  Boston. 

Printing-  was  fir^t  introduced  in  1639.  The  first  thin?  print 
ed  was  the  Freeman's  Oath  ;  the  next  an  Almanac  ;  the  third 
a  collection  of  Psalms. 

Education. — Scacely  had  the  people  opened  the  forest,  nnd 
constructed  habitations,  before  they  directed  their  attention  to 
wards  the  education  of  their  children.  Schools  were  free  to 
all  classes  of  people  ;  the  poor  had  the  same  advantage  in  edu 
cating  their  children  as  the  rich. 

Population  of  Massachusetts  Connecticut,  Rhode  Island, 
New  Hampshire,  Maine,  and  Vermont  was  estimated  at  about 
75000. 

But  it  is  impossible  to  ascertain  very  exactly  the  population 
of  the  American  colonies  at  the  close  ofthis  period.  The  esti 
mates  made  by  writers  are  vague,  and  often  contradictory. 
It  is  worthy  of  particular  notice,  that  so  small  a  population, 
scattered  over  such  an  extent  of  country,  should  have  been  abl* 
to  conquer  so  many  Indians  and  thereby  save  themselves  from 
*uyage  destruction. 


UiNIVERSAL  HISTORY 

or  THE 
UNITED  STATES. 

Part  Second. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

and  Progrets  of  the  Middle  and  Southern  State*. 
NEW  YORK. 

The  reader's  first  attention  in  this  second  part,  will  be  di 
rected  to  the  settlement  of  New  York. 

Captaiu  Henry  Hudson,  commissioned  by  the  King  in  1608, 
sailed  in  the  employment  of  several  London  merchants,  to 
North  America.  He  came  upon  the  coast  in  about  forty  de 
grees  of  north  latitude,  and  made  a  discovery  of  Long  Island 
and  Hudson  river.  He  proceeded  up  the  river,  as  far  as  the 
latitude  of  forty-three,  and  called  it  by  his  own  name. 

About  two  3  ears  after,  he  made  a  second  voyage  to  the  rir- 
cr  iu  the  service  of  a  number  of  Dutch  merchants  ;  and  gome 
time  after,  sold  his  right  to  them.  The  right  to  the  country 
however  belonged  to  king  James,  by  virtue  of  the  discovery 
which  Hudson  had  made  under  his  commission.  The  English 
protested  against  the  sale.  But  the  Dutch  in  1614,  built  a  fort 
nearly  on  the  same  ground  where  Albany  now  stands,  which 
they  called  fort  Auranea. 

Sir  Thomas  Dale,  governor  of  Virginia,  directly  after  de 
spatched  captain  Argallto  dispossess  the  Dutch,  and  they  sub 
mitted  to  the  King  of  England,  and  under  the  governor  of  Vir 
ginia. 

l>  But  receiving  a  reinforcement  the  next,  year,  they  again  a«- 
perteJ  the  right  of  Holland  to  the  country,  and  erected  fort 
Amsterdam  on  the  south  end  of  the  Island.  The  English  for 
many  years  d.d  not  interfere. 

In  1621,  fin  extensive  territory  on  both  sides  of  the  Hudsoa 
wa*  granted  to  the  Dutch  West  India  company,  and  callri 


THE    UNITED  STATES*  83 

Kew  Netherlands.  The  boundaries  were  considered  by  the 
company  as  including  Connecticut  river  on  the  North,  and  Del 
aware  river  on  the  South,  tn  16-23,  they  erected  a  tort  on  the 
Delaware,  which  they  called  Nassau  ;  and  in  1633,  they  erect- 
eel  another  on  Connecticut,  which  they  called  Good  Hope. 
Near  the  former  the  Swedes  had  a  settlement  ;  and  a  quarrel 
trose  between  the  settlers  which  continued  for  many  yeari 
which  terminated  in  the  subjugation  of  the  Swede*. 

NEW    JERSEY. 

The  first  settlement  of  New  Jersey  was  made  by  the  Dane*. 
about  the  year  16-24.  Soon  afterwards,  several  Dutch  families 
seated  themselves  in  the  vicinity  of  New  York.  In  1626,  a 
company  was  formed  in  Sweden,  under  the  patronage  of  King 
Gustavus  Adolphus,  for  the  purpose  of  planting  a  colony  ;n 
America. 

The  next  year  a  nurrber  of  Swedes  and  Finns  came  over, 
and  made  a  settlement  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Delaware  fir- 
er. 

In  1640,  the  English  began  a  plantation  on  the  eastern  bank. 
The  Swedes  in  concert  with  the  Dutch  who  possessed  N*SY 
York  drove  them  out  the  country. 

DELAWARE. 

This  state  was  settled  by  a  company  of  Swedes  and  Finnj, 
under  the  patronage  of  of  King  Gustavus  A(k;l;>hus. 

In  1627,  they  landed  at  Cape  Henlopen,  and  were  so  charm 
ed  with  its  appearance,  that  they  gave  it  the  name  of  Paradise 
Point.  The  country  they  called  New  S.veden,  and  the  river  Dela 
ware  New  Swedeland  stream.  They  purchased  ofthe  Indians 
the  lands  on  both  sides  of  that  river,  "from  the  sea  to  the  falls  ; 
and  seated  themselves  at  the  mouth  of  Christian  creek,  nc'-r 
Wilmington.  Being  frequently  molested  by  the  Dutch,  who 
claimed  a  right  to  the  country,  they  for  their  protection,  built 
for!s  at  Christian,  Lewi.stown,  and  Tinicnm.  The  last  wag 
their  aeat  of  government,  and  John  Printz,  their  Governor, 
erected  an  elegant  mansion  at  this  place,  which  be  naoioil 
Priul*  Hall. 

MARYLAND. 

This  state  waa  settled  by  one  Calvert,  who  sniled  for  Ameri 
ca  near  the  close  of  1633,  accompanied  by  about  two  hundred 
emigrant3,  chiefly  Roman  Catholics. 

Twe/  arrived  in  February,  1634,  at  the    mouth  of  tl.«   rittr 


84  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

Potomac.  At  a  conference  with  the  Indians,  who  dwelt  on  the 
fhore,  they  purchased  Yoamaco,  a  considerable  village  ;  the 
site  which  St.  Mary's  now  occupies. 

This  colony  as  we'll  as  all  others,  in  the  early  period  of  thei/ 
existence,  was  afflicted  with  troubles;  they  were  principally 
caused  by  one  William  Clayborne.  While  a  member  of  the 
Virginia  council,  he  had  obtained  a  license  from  the  King  to 
traffic  in  those  parts fcf  America  where  no  other  person  enjoyed 
the  exclusive  right  of  trade.  Under  this  license  he  had  made 
a  small  settlement  on  the  Island  of  Kent,  and  when  the  grant 
was  made  to  Lord  Baltimore,  refused  to  submit  to  his  authori 
ty.  He  persuaded  the  natives  that  the  new  comers  were  Span 
iards,  and  enemies  to  the  "Virginians.  An  Indian  war  \v.  s  the 
consequence,  which  continued  for  several  years,  with  great 
distress.  Clayborne  wns  imlicted  tmd  convicted  of  muider, 
piracy  and  sedition,  and  fleeing  from  justice  his  estate  was  con 
fiscated.  He  applied  to  the  King  lor  redress,  but  did  not  suc 
ceed.  When  the  civil  war  between  the  King  and  Parliament 
began,  he  embraced  the  cause  of  the  laiter  ;  returned  to  Mary 
land,  and  by  his  intrigues  fon.enU d  in  1645  a  rebellion  against 
its  rulers,  who  were  attached  to  the  ivyai  cause.  Calvert  the 
Governor  was  compelled  to  fly  to  Virginia,  and  the  insurgent* 
•eixod  the  reins  of  government.  The  next  year,  however,  tho 
revolt  was  suppressed  and  tranquillity  restored. 

NORTH    CAROLINA. 

In  1630,  CharlosT.  grnnted  to  Sir  Robert  Heath  nil  the  ter 
ritory  between  the  30  h  and  36th  decrees  of  north  latitude,  and 
extending  from  the  Atlantic  ocean  to  the  south  sea,  by  tho 
name  of  Carolina.  Under  this  gnmr  no  settlement  was  made. 
In  1640,  some  persons  fled  I'  <un  Virginia  and  without  license 
from  any  source,  occupi<  d  that  portion  of  North  Carolina  no.th 
of  Albemarle  sound.  In  1661,  aim  Jn.:r  settlement  was  made 
near  the  mouth  of  Clarendon  river,  by  adventurers  from  Massa 
chusetts.  The  land  being  sterile,  und  the  Indians  hobtile,  they 
•oon  abandoned  it. 

GEORGIA. 

In  June  1732,  several  gen'lemeu  in  England  proposed  to 
transport  thither  all  1  ho.  indigent  S'-bji-rt?  of  Grunt  Britain. 
To  a  project  springing  from  so  g  ><><!  motives,  t  .e  people  and 
the  government  exu.'ndi-d  their  rncouriiurmrnt  and  patronage. 
A  patent  was  granted  by  ilielvng,  conve,  ing  to  twenty  on© 
trustees  the  territory  in; w  constimtijio  the  elate  of  Georgia, 
wbich  wa»  to  be  apportioned  gratu.oualy  among  tho 


THE  UNITED   STATE3.  85 

and  donations  were  made  for  the  purpose  of  conveying  them 
thither  and  their  support  the  first  season. 

In  November  one  hundred  and  thirty  emigrants  embarked 
for  Georgia;  in  January  they  arrived  at  Charleston.  The  Car 
olinians  gave  the  adventurers  a  cordial  welcome  ;  they  sup 
plied  them  with  provisions  and  boats  to  carry  them  to  the 
place  of'their  destination  ;  and  on  the  9th  of  February,  they 
erected  the  first  house,  where  Savannah  now  stands. 

History  of  the  ickote  colonies  of  America,  Combined,  from  1661. 

Whalley  and  Goffe,  two  of  the  judges  who  had  sentenced 
king  Charles  I.  to  be  beheaded,  having  fled  before  his  succes 
sor's  return,  arrived  at  Boston,  and  were  treated  with  great 
respect.  But  no  sooner  was  it  known  that  the  judges  had  been 
condemned  as  traitors,  than  governor  Endicott  called  a  courtof 
Magistrates  to  consult  on  measures  for  apprehending  them  ; 
but  the  majority  opposed  it.  Some  of  the  council  declared,  that 
they  would  stand  by  (hem  ;  others  advised  them  to  move  out  of 
the  colony.  Accordingly  they  removed  to  New  Haven,  and 
made  Mr.  Davenport's  house  their  residence.  They  were 
treated  with  the  same  esteem  and  friendship  at  New  Haven  as 
at  Massachusetts,  but  it  was  not  long  before  orders  were  re 
ceived  from  the  King  to  arrest  them,  wherever  they  might  be 
found.  The  governor  of  Massachusets  issued  his  warrant  to 
arrest  them,  but  the  judges  had  such  faithful  friends,  that  a 
search  was  made  to  uo  purpose. 

Before  the  session  of  the  general  assembly  of  Connecticut,  in 
October,  1662,  the  charter  was  brought  over.  Upon  the  day 
of  the  election,  the  charter  was  publicly  read  to  the  freemen, 
and  declared  to  belong  to  them  and  their  successors.  They 
then  prodeeded  to  make  choice  of  Mr.  Wyllys,  Mr.  Talcott, 
and  Mr.  Allen,  to  receive  the  charter  into  custody,  and  keep  it 
in  behalf  of  the  colony. 

In  1663,  a  tax  of  three  hundred  pounds  was  levied  upon  the 
colony.  A  day  of  fasting  and  prayer  was  appointed  ;  the  col 
ony  was  much  in  debt ;  many  were  dissatisfied  with  the  gover 
nor,  and  refused  to  pay  any  thing  fer  his  support. 

No  sooner  did  the  officers  begin  to  distrain  the  rates  of  those 
who  refused  to  pay,  lhan  it  produced  the  most  alarming  conse 
quences.  The  gentlemen  from  Connecticut  remonstrated 
against  collecting  taxes  from  those  who  had  been  taken  under 
the  protection  of  that  colony,  and  desired  New  Haven  to  sus 
pend  the  affair  for  further  consideration. 

Colonel  Nichols  arrived  at  Boston  with  a  fleet  and  troops 
tinder  his  command,  July  23,  1664.  He  immediately  commu 
nicated  his  commission  to  the  colonies,  and  requested  the  troept 
3 


gg  UNIVERSAL    HISTORY  OF 

to  assist  him  against  the  Dutch.  He  then  sailed  for  New 
Netherlands  and  on  the  20th  of  August  made  a  demand  upon 
the  town  snd  forts  upon  the  Island  of  Manhadoes,  Gov 
ernor  Wiuthrop,  with  several  gentlemen  from  Connecticut, 
joined  him,  according  to  his  wishes.  Stuyvesant,  the  Dutch 
governor,  was  an  old  soldier,  and  had  lie  been  prepared,  doubt- 
Tess  would  have  made  a  brave  defence.  He  was  extremely  op 
posed  to  a  surrender  of  the  fort  and  town,  but  the  opposition 
party  outnumbered  him,  and  he  was  obliged  to  submit  on  tho 
27th  of  August. 

After  the  reduction  of  the  Dutch,  colonel  Nichols  fixed^his 
residence  at  New  York,  to  manage  the  affairs  of  Government. 
About  1664r  a  settlement  commenced  on  the  east  side  of  Connec 
ticut  river.  In  1667  Lyme  was  made  a  distinct  town.  In  this  and 
the  next  year  several  new  settlements  were  made  and  neur 
towns  incorporated.  On  the  20th  of  May  1662,  a  purchase 
was  made  of  the  Indians,  and  East  Haddarn  settled  by  twenty 
eight  persons.  In  the  session  of  May  1670,  it  was  enacted  that 
Massacoe  should  be  called  Simsbury.  At  the  same  term  New 
Haven  village  was  incorporated,  and  made  a  town  by  the  name 
of  Wallingford.  la  1643,  war  had  been  declared  in  England 
against  the  Dutch.  The  colony  was  put  into  a  state  of  de 
fence,  and  it  was  ordered  that  a  troop  of  horse  should  be  raised 
in  each  county.  On  the  30th  of  July,  a  small  Dutch  fleet  arri 
ved  at  New  York.  One  John  Manning,  who  commanded  the 
fort  and  Island  treacherously  delivered  them  to  the  enemy, 
without  firing  a  gun  or  attempting  the  least  resistance. 

Scarcely  had  the  colonies  recovered  from  their  calamities, 
before  new  and  more  terrible  alarm  and  destruction  presented 
themselves  to  nil  the  colonies  of  New  England.  On  the  first  of 
July, 1674,  the  Duke  of  York  commissioned  Sir  Edmund  Andros* 
to  be  governor  of  New  York,  and  all  New  England.  Sir  Ed 
mund  was  a  tyrant  over  the  people,  but  New  England  refused 
to  submit  to  this  man  as  their  ruler.  It  was  soon  discovered 
that  Sir  Edmund  Andro's  was  about  to  make  a  hostile  invasion 
on  the  colony,  and  to  demand  its  surrender.  Detachments 
from  the  military  were  sent  <o  New  London  and  Saybrook. 
Captain  Thomas"  Bull  of  Hartford,  commanded  the  party  a  Say- 
brook.  About  the  9(h  of  July  1675,  the  people  of  that  town 
were  suprised  by  the  appearance  of  Mojor  Andross,  with  an 
firmed  force  in  the  sound,  making  directly  for  the  fort.  The 
fort^was  soon  manned,  and  militia  called  out  for  its  defence  ;  at 
this  moment,  Captain  Bull  arrived,  which  gave  them  fresh 
courage.  On  the  Hth  Major  Andreas  hoisted  the  King's  flag 
on  board,  and  demanded  a  surrender  of  the  fortress  and  town  ; 
Captain  Bull  raised  his  majesty's  colors  snd  prepared  for  de 
fence.  The  MajjoF  did  not  like  to  fire  on  the  King's  colors,  and 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  «7 

thought  it  would  be  a  bloody  affair  to  reduce  the  (own  by  force- 
Early  in  the  morning  of  the  12th,  Sir  Edmund  desired  to  be  ad 
mitted  on  shore, 

Captain  Bull  met  the  Major  at  his  landing-,  and  requested  a 
treaty.  The  major  rejected  the  proposal,  and  commanded  in 
his  majesty's  name  that  the  Dukes  patent  and  his  commission 
should  be  read.  Captain  Bull,  in  his  majesty's  name,  comman 
ded  him  to  forbear  reading1.  When  his  clerk  attempted  to  pro 
ceed,  Captain  Bull  arrain  repeated  his  command  with  such  en 
ergy,  that  it  convinced  the  Major  it  was  not  safe  (o  proceed. 
The  Captain  then  acquainted  him  that  he  had  an  address  from 
the  assembly  and  read  his  protest. 

Governor  Andross  pleased  with  his  bold  and  soldier  like  ap 
pearance,  said  "  What  is  your  name  ?"  He  replied  "  My  name 
is  Bull,  Sir."  "  Bull,"  said  the  Governor, — "  It  is  a  pity  your 
horns  are  not  tipped  with  silver."  Finding  he  could  ma&e  no 
impression  upon  the  people  he  soon  sailed  for  New  Yorki 

In  the  year  1675,  began  the  famous  Indian  war;  which  was 
termed  Kin?  Philip's  war. 

The  leading  one  was  Philip,  sachem  of  the  tribe  living  within 
the  boundary  of  Plymouth,  Rhode  Island.  His  brother  being 
.suspected  of  plotting  against  the  whites,  was  seized  by  a  de- 
tacement  of  soldiers.  Philip  ever  sought  to  revenge  the  treat 
ment  of  his  brother.  He  succeeded  in  forming  a  confederacy 
-able  to  send  into  action  between  three  and  four  thousand  war 
riors. 

The  immediate  cause  of  the  war  was  (he  execation  of  three 
Indians  by  the  English,  whom  Philip  had  excited  to  murder  one 
"Sausaman,  an  Indian  missionary.  Sausatrmn,  being  friendly 
to  the  English,  had  informed  them  that  Philip,  with  several 
tribes,  was  plotting  their  dt^struction. 

The  execution  of  these  Indians  roused  the  ansrer  of  Philip, 
who  immediately  armed  his  men,  and  commenced  hostilities. 
Their  first  attack  was  made  June  24th,  upon  the  people  of 
Swanzey,  in  Plymouth  colony,  as  they  were  returning  home 
from  pubhc  worship,  on  a  day  of  humiliation  and  prayer,  un 
der  the  apprehension  of  the  approaching  war.  Eight  or  nina 
persons  were  killed. 

The  country  was  immediatclv  alarmed,  and  the  troops  of  the 
colony  flew  to  the  defence  of  Swanzey.  On  the  28th,  the  com 
pany  of  horse  and  company  of  foot,  with  one  hundred  and  ten 
volunteers  from  Boston,  joined  the  Plymouth  forces  at  Swan 
zey.  The  next  morning1  an  attack  was  made  upon  some  of 
Philip's  men,  who  were  pursued,  and  five  or  six  of  them  killed. 
This  resolute  conduct  of  the  English  made  a  deep  impression  on 
*he  enemy.  Philip  *ith  his  forces  left  Mount  Hope  the 


88  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

night — marking  his  route,  however,  with  the  burning  of  hous 
es,  and  the  scalping  of  the  defenceless  inhabitants. 

It  being  known  that  the  Narragajisets  favoured  the  cause  of 
Philip,  he  having  sent  his  women  and  children  to  them  for 
protection,  the  Massachusetts  forces  under  Capt.  Hutchinson, 
proceeded  forhwilh  into  their  country,  to  renew  a  treaty  with 
them  or  to  give  them  battle.  Fortunately,  a  treaty  was  con 
cluded,  and  the  troops  returned. 

On  the  17th  of  July,  news  arrived  that  Philip,  with  his  war 
riors,  was  in  a  swamp  at  Pocasset,  now  Ttverton.  The  Mas 
sachusetts  and  Plymouth  forces  immediately  marched  to  that 
place,  and  the  next  day  resolutely  charged  the  enemy  in  their 
recesses.  As  tho  troops  entered  the  swamps,  the  Indians  con 
tinued  to  retire.  The  English  in  vain  pursued,  till  the  ap 
proach  of  night,  when  the  commander  ordered  a  retreat.  Ma 
ny  of  the  English  were  killed,  and  the  enemy  seemed  to  take 
courage. 

It  being  impossible  to  encounter  the  Indians  with  advantage 
in  the  swamps,  it  was  determined  to  starve  them  out;  but  Phil 
ip,  apprehending  their  design,  contrived  to  escape  with  his 
forces. 

He  now  fled  to  the  Nipmucks,  a  tribe  in  Worcester  county, 
Massachusetts,  whom  he  induced  to  assist  him.  This  tribe  had 
already  commenced  hostilities  against  the  English  ;  but,  in  the 
hope  of  reclaiming  them,  the  Governor  and  council  sent  Cap 
tains  Wheeler  and  Hutchinson  to  treat  with  them.  But  the 
Indians,  having  intimation  of  their  corning,  lurked  in  ambush 
for  them,  fired  upon  them  as  they  approached,  killed  eight  men, 
and  mortally  wounded  eight  more,  of  whom  Capt.  Hutchinson 
was  one. 

The  remainder  of  the  English  fled  to  Quaboag,  Brookfield. 
The  Indians  however,  closely  pursued  them  into  the  town,  and 
burnt  every  house  excepting  one,  in  which  the  inhabitants  had 
taken  refuge.  This  house  at  lengtii  they  surrounded.  "  For 
two  days  they  continued  to  pour  a  storm  of  rnusket  balls  upon 
it,  and  although  countless  numbers  pierced  through  the  walls, 
but  one  person  was  killed.  With  long  poles,  they  next  thrust 
against  it  brands,  and  rags  dipped  in  brimstone  ;  they  shot  ar 
rows  of  fire  ;  they  loaded  a  cart  with  flax  and  tow,  and  with 
long  poles  fastened  together,  they  pushed  it  against  the  house. 
Destruction  seemed  inevitable.  The  house  was  kindling,  and 
the  savages  stood  ready  to  destroy  the  first  that  should  open 
the  door  to  escape.  At  this  awful  moment,  a  torrent  of  rain 
descended,  and  suddenly  extinguished  the  kindling  flames." 

August  4th,  Major  Willard  came  to  their  relief,  raised  the 
•iege,  and  destroyed  a  considerable  number  of  the  assailants. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  $g 

During1  the  month  of  September,  Hadley,  Deerfield.  and 
:ield,  on  Connecticut  river,  were  attacked  ;  several  of  the 
inhab'rants  were  killed,  and  many  buildings  consumed.  On 
the  ISth,  Captain  Lathrop,  with  several  "teams  and  eighty 
young  men,  the  flower  of  the  county  of  Essex,  were  sent  to 
Deerfield  to  transport  a  quantity  of  grain  to  Hadley.  On  their 
return,  stopping  to  gather  grapes  at  .Muddy  Brook,  they  were 
suddenly  attacked  by  near  eight  hundred  Indians.  Resistance 
was  in  vain,  and  seventy  of  these  young  men  fell  before  the 
merciless  enemy,  and  were  buried  in  one  grave.  Captain 
Mosely  who  was  at  Deerfield,  hearing  the  report  of  the  guns, 
hastened  to  the  spot,  and  with  a  few  men,  attacked  the  Indians, 
killed  ninety-six,  aad  wounded  forty,  losing  himself  but  two 
men. 

Early  in  October,  the  Springfield  Indians,  who  had  hitherto 
been  friendly  to  the  English,  concerted  a  plan,  with  the  hos 
tile  tribes,  to  burn  thatTlown.  Having,  under  cover  of  night, 
received  two  or  three  hundred  of  Philip's  men  into  their  fort, 
the  assistanca  of  these,  they  set  fire  to  the  town.  The 
plot,  however,  was  discovered  so  seasonably,  that  troops  arri 
ved  from  Westfield,  in  time  to  save  the  tovrn,  excepting  thirty 
two  houses  already  consumed. 

Soon  after  hostilities  were  commenced  by  Philip,  the  Tarren- 
teens  began  their  depredations  in  New  Hampshire,  and  the 
Province  of  Maine.  They  robbed  the  boats  and  plundered  the 
houses  of  tiie  English.  In  September  they  fell  on  Saco.  Scar 
borough,  and  Kittery,  killed  between  twenty  and  thirty  of  th« 
.t.r.s,  and  consigned  their  hoases,  barns,  and  miLs  to  tba 
flames. 

Elated  wi'h  these  successes,  they  next  advanced  towards 
Piscataqua.  committing  the  same  outrages  at  Oyster  river, 
Salmon  Falls,  Dover  and  Exeter.  Before  winter,  sixty  cftbe 
English,  in  that  quarter,  were  killed,  and  nearly  as  many 
buildings  consumed. 

The  Indian?  in  tliose  parts,  however,  had  real  ground  of 
complaint.  Some  seamen,  hearing  it  reported  that  Indian 
children  could  swim  by  instinct,  overset  the  canoe  of  Sqnando, 
Fuciiem  of  the  S;'co  Indians,  in  which  were  ins  squaw  and  in 
fant  child.  This  act  Sq undo  could  not  overlook,  especially  &• 
eomo  lime  after  the  child  died,  and,  as  the  sachem  believed',  on 
accouunt  of  some  injury  that  it  then  received.  Besides  this, 
eerer.il  Indians  had  been  enticed  on  board  a  vessel,  carried  off, 
and  sold  into  slavery.  To  redress  these  wrongs,  the  Indiani 
commenced  hostilities. 

Notwithstanding  the  Narrajansets  had  pledged  themselves  by 
their  treaty,  not  to  engage  in  the  war  against  the  English,  it 
was  discovered  that  they  were  taking  part  with  the  enemj. 
S* 


90  ^UNIVERSAL    HISTORY  O^ 

It  uras  deemed  necesary,  therefore,  for  the  safety  of  the   cold- 
Hies,  early  to  check  that  powerful  tribe. 

Accordingly,  governor  Winslow  of  Plymouth,  with  about 
*pne  thousand  eight  hundred  troops  from  Massachusetts  and 
'Connecticut,  and  one  hundred  and  sixty  friendly  Indians,  com 
menced  their  march  from  Pettyquamscot,  on  the  19th  of  Do- 
'dember,  1675,  through  a  deep  snow,  towards  the  enemy,  who 
were  in  a  swamp  about  fifteen  miles  distant. 

The  army  arrived  at  the  swamp  at  one  in  the  afternoon. 
Some  Indians  at  the  edge  of  the  swamp  were  fired  upon,  but 
fled.  The  whole  army  now  entered  and  pursued  the  Indiana 
to  their  fortress. 

This  stood  on  a  rising  ground,  in  the  middle  of  the  swamp. 
It  was  a  work  of  great  strength  and  labour,  being  composed  of 
palisades,  and  surrounded  by  a  hedge  about  sixteen  feet  in 
-thickness. 

One  entrance  only  led  to  the  fort,  through  the  surrounding 
'thicket.  Upon  this  the  English  providentially  fell ;  and  with- 
•out  wanting  to  form,  rushed  impetuously  towards  the  fort. 
The  English  captains  entered  first.  The  resistance  of  the  In 
dians  was  gallant  and  warlike.  Captains  Johnson  and  Daven- 
'port,  with  many  of  their  men,  fell  at  the  entrance.  At  length 
the  English  gave  back,  and  were  obliged  to  retreat  out  of  the 
fort. 

<At  this  crisis,  the  army  being  on  the  point  of  a  fatal  repulse, 
'some  Connecticut  men,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  fort,  disco\- 
•ered  a  place  destitute  of  palisades  ;  they  instantly  sprang  into 
the  fort,  fell  upon  the  rear  of  the  Indians,  and,  aided  by  the 
rest  of  the  army,  after  a  desperate  conflict,  achieved  a  com 
plete  victory.  Six  hundred  wigwams  were  now  set  on  fire- 
The  scene  was  awful.  Deep  volumes  of  smoke  rolled  up  to 
heaven,  mingling  with  the  dying  shrieks  of  mothers  and  infants, 
while  the  aged  and  infirm  were  consuming  in  the  flames. 

•Even  at  this  distant  period,  we  cannot  recall  this  scene  with 
out  pain,  and  can  justify  tlrs  severity  of  our  ancestors,  only  bjr 
admitting  its  necessily  for  self-preservation. 

The  Indians  in  the  fort  were  estimated  at  four  thousand  ;  of 
these  seven  hundred  warriors  were  killed,  and  three  hundred 
died  of  their  wounds  ;  three  hundred  were  taken  prisoners,  and 
;43  many  women  and  children.  The  rest,  except  such  as  were 
Consumed,  fled. 

The  victory  of  the  English,  complete  as  it  was,  was  purchas 
ed  with  blood.  Six  brave  captains  fell  ;  eighty  of  the  troops 
were  killed  or  mortally  wounded  ;  and  one  hundred  and  lift/ 
were  wounded,  who  recovered. 

From  this  defeat,  the  Indians  rever  recovered.  They  were 
-act  yet,  however,  effectually  subdued.  During  the  winUr 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  $1 

•till  continued  to  murder  and  burn.  The  towns  of  Lancaster, 
•Medfield,  Weymouth,  Groton,  Springfield,  Northampton,  Sud- 
burv,  and  Marlborough,  in  Massachusetts,  and  Warwick  and 
Providence  in  .Rhode-Island,  were  assulted,  and  some  of  them 
partly,  and  others  wholly  destroyed.  In  March,  Captain 
Pierce,  with  fifty  English,  and  twenty  friendly  Indians,  were 
attacked,  and  every  Englishman,  and  most  of  ihe  Indians  were 
eiain.  In  April,  Captain  \Vads\vorth,  marching:  with  fifty  men 
to  the  relief  of  Sudbury,  was  surrounded,  and  all  either  killed 
on  the  spot,  or  reserved  for  long  and  distressing  tortures. 

The  success  ot  the  Indians,  during  the  winter,  had  been 
great  ;  but  on  the  return  of  spring  the  tide  turned  against  them. 
The  Narraganset  country  was  scoured,  and  many  of  the  natives 
were  killed,  among  whom  was  Cnnonchet,  their  chief  sachem. 

On  the  12th  of  August,  1676,  the  finishing  stroke  was  given 
to  the  war  in  the  United  colonies,  by  the  death  of  Philip.  Af 
ter  his  flight  from  Mount  Hope,  he  had  attempted  to  rouse  the 
Mohawks  against  the  English.  To  effect  his  purpose,  he  killed 
et  several  times,  some  of  that  tribe,  and  laid  it  to  the  English. 
But  his  iniquity  was  discovered,  and  he  was  obliged  hastily  to 
flee.  He  returned  at  length  to  Mount  Hope. 

Tidings  of  his  return  were  brought  to  Captain  Church,  a 
man  who  had  been  of  eminent  service  in  this  war,  and  who 
was  better  able  than  any  other  person  to  provide  against  the 
wiles  of  the  enemy.  Capt.  Church  immediately  proceeded  to 
the  place  of  Philip's  concealment,  near  Mount  Hope,  accom 
panied  by  a  small  body  of  men.  On  his  arrival,  which  was  in 
the  night,  he  placed  his  men  in  ambushes  ronnd  the  swamp, 
charging  them  not  to  move  till  daylight,  that  they  might  distin 
guish  Philip,  should  he  attempt  to  escape.  Such  was  his  con 
fidence  of  success,  that  taking  Major  SanJford  by  the  hand,  ha 
eaid,  "  It  is  scarcely  possible  that  Philip  should  escape."  At 
that  instant,  a  bullet  whistled  over  their  heads,  and  a  volley 
[followed. 

The  firing  proceeded  from  Philip,  and  his  men,  who  were  in 
riew.  Perceiving  his  peril,  the  savage  chief,  desperately  snatch 
ed  his  powder  horn  and  gun,  and  tan  fiercely  towards  the  spot 
where  an  Englishman  and  In'lian  lay  concealed. — The  English 
•oldier  levelled  his  gun,  but  it  missed  fire:  the  Indian  fired,  and 
shot  Philip  through  the  heart. 

Captain  Church  ordered  him  to  be  beheaded,  and  quartered. 
The  Indian  who  executed  this  order,  pronounced  the  warrior's 
epitaph,  "  You  have  been  one  very  great  man.  You  hare 
made  many  a  man  afraid  of  you.  But  so  big  as  you  be,  I  will 
aow  chop  you  to  pieces." 

Thus  fell  a  savage  hero  and  patriot — of  whose  transcendant 
-abilities  our  history  furnishes  myla'icholy  evidence. — The  ad- 


#8  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

vantage  of  civilized  education,  and  a  wider  theatre  of  action, 
might  have  made  the  name  of  Philip  of  Mount  Hope,  as  memo 
rable  as  that  of  Alexander,  or  Csesar. 

After  the  death  of  Philip,  the  war  continued  in  the  province 
of  Maine,  till  the  spring  of  1678.  Bat  westward,  the  Indiana 
having  lost  their  chiefs,  wigwams,  and  provisions,  and  perceiv 
ing  further  contest  vain,  came  in  singly,  by  tens,  and  hundreds, 
end  submitted  to  the  English. 

Thus  closed  a  melancholy  period  in  the  annals  of  New  Eng 
land  history;  during  which,  six  hundred  men,  the  flower  of  her 
strength,  had  fallen  ;  twelve  or  thirteen  towns  had  been  des 
troyed,  and  six  hundred  dwelling  houses  consumed.  Every 
eleventh  family  was  houseless,  and  every  eleventh  soldier  had 
sunk  to  his  grave.  So  costly  was  the  inheritance  which  our 
fathers  have  transmitted  to  us. 

Never  was  peace  more  welcome;  for  never  had  war  been 
more  distressing.  The  whole  population  was  mourning  for 
their  relatives  slain.  The  colonies  had  contracted  a  large  debt, 
which,  their  resources  having  been  so  much  diminished,  they 
found  an  almost  unsupportable  burden;  yet  they  forebore  to 
apply  to  their  mother  country  for  assistance,  which  excited 
jealousy.  "You  act,"  said  a  privy  counsellor:  "as  though, 
you  were  independent;"  although  poor,  you  arc  proud. 

In  1680,  it  appears  that  there  were  twenty-six  towns  in  New 
England  :  that  the  mili'h,  including  horse  and  foot  consisted  of 
two  thousand  five  hundred  and  seven  men  ;  that  the  annual 
exports  were  about  nine  thousand  pounds.  There  were  in  the 
colony  about  twenty  small  merchants,  trading  to  Boston,  New- 
York,  Newfoundland  and  the  West-Indies  ;  and  the  shipping1 
consisted  of  four  ships,  three  pinks,  eight  sloops,  and  other 
email  vessels,  amount  ing  to  about  twenty-seven  in  number,  tho 
tonnage  of  which  was  only  one  thousand  and  fifty.  The  num 
ber  of  inhabitants  was  nearly  twelve  thousand. 

In  1682,  East  Jersey  passed  from  Carteret  to  William  Penn, 
end  twenty  three  associates,  mostly  of  the  Quaker  persuasion. 

In  April,  Perm  published  a  frame  of  government.  The  chief 
object  was  declared  to  be,  to  support  ptv.ver  and  reverenco 
among  the  people.  This  year,  William  Pemi  laid  out  Phila 
delphia,  for  his  capital,  which  grew  rapidly.  In  1683,  Penn 
held  the  second  assembly  in  his  new  capital,  and  presided  in 
the  council.  The  lasting  prosperity  of  Pennsylvania  the  foun 
dation  of  which  must  be  traced  to  his  wisdom  and  benevolence, 
is  an  eloquent  eulonfium  upon  his  character. 

In  1684,  king  James  established  a  .temporary  government 
over  the  colony,  first  appointing  Joseph  Dudley  ;  and  in  1680 
he  appointed  Sir  Edmund  Audross  to  be  governor  of  New 
England.  Sir  Edmund  had  been  governor  of  New-York,  suu4 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  Q3 

it  was  known  that  his  conduct  there  had  been  arbitrary  and 
tyrannical.  In  October,  Sir  Edmund,  with  a  guard  of  about 
eixty  regular  troops,  went  to  Hartford. 

The  assembly  met,  as  usual,  in  October,  and  the  government 
continued  according  to  charier,  until  the  last  of  the  month. 
About  this  time,  Sir  Edmund,  with  his  suit,  and  more  than 
fixty  regular  troop?,  came  to  Hartford,  when  the  assembly 
were  sitting:,  demanded  the  charter,  and  declared  the  govern 
ment  under  it  to  be  dissolved.  The  assembly  were  extremely 
reluctant  and  slow  with  respect  to  any  resolve  to  surrender  tho 
charter,  or  with  respect  to  any  motion  to  bring  it  forth.  The 
tradition  is,  that  governor  Treat  strongly  represented  the  great 
expense  and  hardships  of  the  colonies,  in  planting  the  coun 
try  ;  the  blood  and  treasure  which  they  had  expended  in  de 
fending  it,  both  against  the  savages  and  foreigners;  to  what 
hardships  and  dangers  he  himself  had  been  exposed  for  that 
purpose;  and  that  it  was  like  giving  up  his  life,  now  to  surren 
der  the  patent  and  privileges  so  dearly  bought,  and  so  long 
enjoyed.  The  important  affiit1  was  debated  and  kept  in  sus 
pense,  until  the  evening,  when  the  charter  was  brought  and 
laid  upon  the  table,  where  the  assembly  were  sitting.  By  this 
time,  great  numbers  of  people  were  assembled,  and  men  suffi 
ciently  bold  to  enterprise  whatever  might  be  necessary  or  ex 
pedient.  The  lights  were  instantly  extinguished,  and  one 
captain  Wadsworth,  of  Hartford,  SM  the  most  silent  and  secret 
manner,  carried  off  the  charter,  arid  secreted  it  in  a  large  hol 
low  tree,  fronting  tho  Mouse  of  the  Hon.  Samuel  Wyllys,  then 
one  of  the  magistrates  of  the  colony.  The  people  appeared 
all  peaceable  and  orderly.  The  candles  were  officiously  re 
lighted;  but  the  patent  was  gone,  and  no  discovery  could  he 
made  of  it,  or  of  the  person  who  had  conveyed  it  away.  Sir 
Edmund  assumed  the  government,  and  the  records  of  the 
colony  were  closed  in  the  following  words. 

**At  a  general  court  at  Hartford,  October  31st,  1687,  his 
excellency.  Sir  Edmund  Andross,  knight,  and  captain-general 
and  governor  of  his  majesty's  territories  and  dominions  in 
New-Enjriand,  by  order  from  his  mnjestv,  James  the  second, 
king  of  England,  Scoflan  I,  France,  and  Ireland,  the  3Ist  of 
October,  1687,  took  into  his  hands  the  government  of  the 
colony  of  Connecticut,  it  being,  by  his  majesty,  annexed  to 
Massachusetts,  and  other  colonies  under  his  excellency's  go 
vernment." 

Sir  Edmund  appointed  officers  civil  and  military,  through 
the  colony,  according  to  his  pleasure.  He  had  a  council,  at 
first,  consisting  of  about  forty  persons,  and  afterwards,  of 
Dearly  fifty.  Four  of  this  number,  governor  Treat,  John  Fit- 


$4  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

Winthrop,  Wait  Winthrop,  and  John  Allen,  Esquires,  were  of 
Connecticut. 

Sir  Edmund  began  his  government  with  the  most  flattering 
professions  of  his  regard  to  the  public  safety  and  happiness. 
He  instructed  the  judges  to  administer  justice,  as  far  as  might 
be  consistent  with  the  new  regulations,  according  to  the  for 
mer  laws  and  customs.  It  is,  however,  well  observed,  by 
governor  Hiitchinson,  that  "Nero  concealed  his  tyrannical 
disposition  tnoie  years,  than  Sir  Edmund  and  his  creatures  did 
months."  He  soon  laid  a  restraint  upon  the  liberty  of  the 
press  ;  and  then,  one  far  more  grievous  upon  marriage.  This 
was  prohibited,  unless  bonds  were  previously  given,  with  sure 
ties,  to  the  governor.  These  were  to  be  forfeited,  in  case  it 
should  afterwards  appear,  that  there  was  any  lawful  impedi 
ment  to  the  marriage.  Magistrates  only  were  allowed  to  join 
people  in  the  bands  of  wedlock.  The  governor  not  only  de 
prived  the  clergy  of  the  perquisite  from  marriages,  but  soon 
suspended  the  laws  for  their  support,  and  would  not  suffer  any 
person  to  be  obliged  to  pay  any  tiling  to  his  minister.  Nay, 
he  menaced  the  people,  that,  if  they  resisted  his  will,  their 
meeting-houses  should  be  taken  from  them,  and  that  any  per 
son  who  should  give  two  pence  to  a  non-confonnist  minister, 
should  be  punished. 

The  fees  of  all  officers,  under  this  new  administration,  were 
exorbitant.  The  common  fee  for  the  probate  of  a  will  waa 
fifty  shillings.  The  widow  and  fatherless,  how  distant  soever, 
were  obliged  to  appear  at  Boston,  to  transact  all  business  re 
lative  to  the  settlement  of  estates.  This  was  a  grievous 
•oppression  of  the  poor  people;  especially,  of  the  fatherless  and 
widow. 

Sir  Edmund,  without  an  assembly,  nay,  without  a  majority 
of  his  council,  taxed  the  people  at  pleasure.  He  and  Ran 
dolph,  with  four  or  five  others  of  his  creatures,  who  were 
sufficiently  wicked  to  join  with  him,  in  all  his  oppressive  de 
signs,  managed  the  affairs  of  government,  as  they  pleased. 
But  these  were  but  the  beginnings  of  oppression  and  sorrow. 
They  were  soon  great.ly  increased  and  more  extensively  spread. 

In  1688,  Sir  Edmund  was  made  governor  of  New  York,  as 
well  as  of  New  England,  and  the  same  kind  of  government 
was  exercised  in  that  department.  As  the  charters  were  now 
either  vacated,  surrendered,  or  the  government  under  them 
suspended,  it  was  declared,  that  the  titles  of  the  colonists  to 
their  lands  were  of  no  value.  Sir  Edmund  declared,  that 
Indian  deeds  were  no  better  than  "  the  scratch  of  a  bear's 
paw."  Not  the  fairest  purchases  and  most  ample  conveyances 
from  the  natives,  no  dangers,  disbursements  nor  labors,  in  cuK 
rivaling  a  wilderness,  and  turning  it  into  orchards,  gardenst 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  95 

and  pleasant  fields,  no  grants  by  charter,  nor  by  legislatures 
constituted  by  them,  no  declarations  of  preceding  kings,  nor 
of  his  then  present  majesty,  promising  them  the  quiet  enjoy 
ment  of  their  houses  and  lands,  nor  fifty  or  sixty  years  undis 
turbed  possession,  were  pleas  of  any  validity  or  consideration 
with  Sir  Edmund  and  his  minions.  The  purchasers  and  cul 
tivators,  after  fifty  and  sixty  years  improvement,  were  obliged 
to  take  out  patents  for  their  estates.  For  these,  in  some  in 
stances,  a  fee  of  fifty  pounds  was  demanded.  Writs  of  intru 
sion  were  issued  against  persons  of  principal  character,  who 
would  not  submit  to  such  impositions,  and  their  lands  were 
patented  to  others.  Governor  Hutchinson  observes,  with  res 
pect  to  Massachusetts,  that  **  men's  titles  were  not  all  question 
ed  at  once.  Had  this  been  the  case,  according  to  the  compu 
tation  then  made,  all  the  personal  estate  in  the  colony  would 
not  have  paid  the  charge  of  the  new  patents." 

The  governor,  and  a  small  number  of  his  council,  in  the 
most  arbitrary  manner,  fined  and  imprisoned  numbers  of  the 
inhabitants  of  Massachusetts,  and  denied  them  the  benefit  of 
the  act  of  habeas  corpus.  All  town  meetings  were  prohibited 
except  one  in  the  month  of  May,  for  the  election  of  town  offi 
cers,  to  prevent  the  people  from  consulting  measures  for  the 
redress  of  their  grievances.  No  person  indeed  was  suffered 
to  go  out  of  the  country,  without,  leave  from  the  governor,  lest 
complaints  should  be  carried  to  England  against  his  adminis 
tration.  At  the  same  lime,  he  so  well  knew  the  temper  and 
views  of  his  royal  master,  that  he  feared  little  from  him,  even 
though  complaints  should  be  carried  over  a'gainst  him.  Hence 
he  and  his  dependants  oppressed  the  people,  and  enriched 
themselves  without  restraint. 

The  most  humble  petitions  were  presented  to  his  majesty, 
from  corporations  of  various  descriptions,  beseeching  him,  that 
the  governor's  council  might  consist  of  none  but  men  of  con 
siderable  property  in  lan'ls;  that  no  act  might  be  passed  to 
bind  the  people,  but  by  a  majority  of  the  council;  and  that  he 
would  quiet  his  good  subjects  in  the  enjoyment  of  all  property 
in  houses  and  lands.*  But,  in  the  reign  of  James  the  Second, 
petitions  so  reasonable  and  just  could  not  be  heard.  The 
prince,  at  home,  and  his  officers  abroad,  like  greedy  harpies, 
preyed  upon  the  people  Mithout  control.  Randolph  was  not 
ashamed  to  make  his  boast,  in  his  letters,  with  respect  to 

*  Sir  Edmund,  with  all  his  vigilance,  could  not  prevent  the  carry 
ing  oves  of  complaints  against  him.  Mr.  Increase  Mather,  got  oa 
board  a  ship,  and  sailed  to  England,  for  this  very  purpose,  and  de 
livered  the  complaints,  which  be  carried  over,  'iato  his  majesty't 


96  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

governor  Andro?s  and  his  council,  "  that  they  were  as  arbitrary 
as  the  great  Turk."  Ail  New  England  groaned  under  their 
oppression.  The  heaviest,  share  of  it,  however,  fell  upon  tha 
inhabitants  of  Massachusetts  and  New  Plymouth.  Connec 
ticut  had  been  less  obnoxious  to  government,  than  Massachu 
setts,  and  as  it  was  furl  her  removed  from  the  seat  of  govern- 
ment,  was  less  under  the  notice  and  influence  cf  those  op 
pressors. 

Governor  Treat  was  a  father  to  the  people,  and  felt  for 
them,  in  their  distressed  circumstances.  The  other  gentle 
men,  who  were  of  the  council,  and  had  the  principal  manage 
ment  of  affairs,  in  Connecticut,  were  men  of  principle,  lovers 
of  justice  and  of  their  fellow  subjects.  They  took  advantage 
of  Sir  Edmund's  first  instructions,  and  as  far  as  they  possibly 
could,  consistently  with  the  new  regulations,  governed  the 
colony  according  to  the  foimer  laws  arid  customs.  The  people 
were  patient  and  peaceable,  though  in  great  fear  and  despon 
dency.  They  were  no  strangers  to  what  was  transacted  in 
the  neighbouring  colonies,  and  expected  soon  fully  to  share 
with  them,  in  all  their  miseries.  It  was  generally  believed, 
that  Andross  was  n  papist  ;  that  he  had  employed  the  Indians 
to  ravage  the  frontiers,  and  had  supplied  them  with  ammunition; 
and  that  he  was  making  preparations  to  deliver  the  country 
into  the  hands  of  the  French.  All  the  motives  to  great  ac 
tions,  to  industry,  economy,  enterprise,  wealth,  and  popula 
tion,  were  in  a  manner  annihilated.  A  general  inactivity  and 
languishment  pervaded  the  v  hole  public  body.  Liberty,  pro 
perty,  and  every  thing,  which  ought  t.o  be  dear  to  men,  every 
day,  grew  mere  and  more  insecure.  The  colonies  were  in  a 
state  of  general  despondency,  with  respect  to  the  restoration 
of  their  privileges,  and  the  truth  of  that  divine  maxim,  "  when 
the  wicked  beare'h  rule  the  people  mourn,"  was,  in  a  striking 
manner,  every  where  exemplified. 

In  1690,  war  was  declared  between  France  and  England. 
Count  Frontinac  was  appointed  Governor  in  Canada.  In  Jan 
uary  he  despatched  several  parries  against  the  English  settle 
ments.  One  of  them  was  sent  against  Albany,  but  resolved 
to  attack  Schenectady.  The  inhabitants  of  this  village  got 
information  of  their  danger,  but  they  judged  it  impossible  for 
the  enemy  to  march  several  hundred  miles  in  the  depth  of  win 
ter,  and  disregarded  the  intelligence.  No  regular  watch  wa§ 
kept,  nor  military  order  observed.  The  French  and  Indians  ar 
rived  near  the  town  on  the  8th  of  February. ;On  Saturday  night, 
at  eleven  o'clock  they  entered  the  gates  which  they  found  open ; 
universal  silence  reigned.  In  a  few  moments  all  the  house* 
were  in  flames.  Women  weie  butchered,  and  children  thrown 
alive  into  tiie  flames ;  fcixty  persons  perished  in  the  flames ; 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  97 

-<ive  persons  made  prisoners;  while  the  rcit  of  the  in 
habitants  fled  naked.  A  furious  storm  came  on.  Albany,  their 
only  refuse  was,  at  a  distance.  A  part  arrived  in  safety,  twen 
ty-five  lost  their  limbs  by  the  severity  of  the  cold.  No  tongue 
can  express  the  cruelties  which  were  committed.  The  second 
party  directed  their  course  to  New-Hampshire,  burned  the  vil 
lage"  at  Salmon  Falls,  killed  twenty-six  of  the  bravest  men, 
and  took  fifty  prisoners.  The  third  party  destroyed  Casco  in 
Maine,  and  killed  and  captured  ninety-five  people. 

To  avenge  these  barbarities,  and  others  perpetrated  in  New- 
England,  a  combined  expedition  against  Canada  was  proposed. 
An  army  was  raised  in  New- York  and  Connecticut,  which  pro 
ceeded  as  far  as  the  head  of  Lake  Champ-lain,  but  not  finding 
boats  to  cross  the  lake,  were  obliged  to  return.  Sir  William 
Phipps,  with  a  fleet  of  about  30  vessels,  sailed  from  Boston  into 
the  St.  Lawrence,  and  landing  a  body  of  troops,  made  an  at 
tack  bv  land  and  water  upon  Quebec;  but  was  unsuccessful. 

Sir  William  Phipps,  to  whom  the  above  expeditions  were  en 
trusted,  was  a  native  of  New-England.    The  extraordinary  inci 
dent  of  his  life  will  serve  to  exhibit  the  powerful  spirit  c; 
sonal  enterprise,  which  the  peculiar  circumstances  of  the  colo 
nies  called  forth. 

The  place  of  his  birth,  which  happened  in  1650,  was  a  small 
plantation  on  the  river  Kennebeck,  at  that  time  nearly  the 
limit  of  the  English  settlements  on  the  east.  His  father  was 
a  gunsmith,  who  had  a  family  of  twenty-six  children  by  one 
wife,  twenty-one  of  whom  were  sons,  of  which  William  wa3 
nearly  the  youngest.  His  father  dying  while  he  was  quite  a 
lad,  he  lived  with  his  mother  until  his  eighteenth  year,  during 
which  time  he  was  chiefly  concerned  in  the  care  of  shoep.  Con 
trary  to  the  wishes  of  his  friends,  he  now  indented  himself  as 
an  apprentice  to  a  ship-carpenter,  for  four  years,  in  which 
time  he  became  master  of  his  art.  Upon  the  expiration  of  his 
service  he  went  to  Boston,  where  he  followed  his  trade  about  a 
year,  during  which  he  learned  to  re-^d  and  write,  and  in  which 
time  he  was  respectably  married. 

Failing  of  that  success  in  his  trade,  which  his  enterprising 
genius  coveted,  he  turned  his  attention  to  the  sea,  and  during 
his  first  voyage,  hearing  of  a  Spanish  wreck  near  the  Bahamas, 
he  directed  his  course  thither,  but  obtained  from  it  only  suffi 
cient  to  furnish  himself  with  a  voyage  to  England.  On  his 
arrival  in  that  country  he  heard  of  another  Spanish  wreck, 
in  which  was  lost  an  immense  treasure ;  but  the  precise  spot  of 
which  was  as  yet  undiscovered.  Being  sanguine  in  the  belief 
that  he  should  be  more  successful  than  those  who  had  preceed- 
ed  him,  in  their  attempts  to  discover  it,  he  solicited  the  patro- 
age  of  several  persons  in  office,  through  whose  influence  he 
9 


93  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

was  appointed  to  the  Algier  Rose,  an  English  frigate  of  eigh 
teen  guns  and  ninety-five  men,  in  which,  in  sometime  alter,  he 
bailed  inquest  of  the  wreck. 

It  often  happens  that  Divine  Providence,  previously  to  crown 
ing  a  man's  exertions  with  success,  involves  him  for  a  season 
in  difficulties,  and  tries  him  with  disapointments.  This  was 
strikingly  verified  in  the  case  of  Capt.  Phipps.  Not  meeting  with 
the  success  which  he  had  promised  his  crew,  they  at  length 
became  mutinous,  and  on  a  sudden  rushed  upon  him,  while  on 
the  quartet  deck,  wilh  diawn  swords,  and  demanded  of  him  as 
Hie  only  condition  of  life,  that  he  should  join  them  in  escaping 
to  the  South  Seas,  to  engage  in  piracy.  Although  entirely  un 
armed,  he  stood  firm  and  collected  until  he  had  fixed  his  plan, 
and  then  with  a  courage  bordering  on  rashness,  rushed  in 
upon  their  pointed  swords,  dealing  his  blows  so  judiciously, 
that  lie  felled  numbers  to  the  deck,  and  so  awed  the  rest, 
tiiat  they  consented  to  yield.  At  another  time,  finding  it  ne 
cessary  to  careen  his  vessel,  he  put  into  a  desolate  Spanish 
island,  near  to  a  rock  from  which  a  temporary  bridge  was  ex 
tended  to  ihe  ship.  Mutiny  was  secretly  working  among  his 
crew.  While  preparations  were  making  by  the  carpenter  for 
repairing  the  vessel,  ninety  of  his  men  left  her,  and  retired  in 
to  the  adjoining  wood,  under  pretence  of  diversion,  but  in  reali 
ty  for  mutinous  purposes.  Here  a  plan  was  formed,  which  was 
to  seize  Capt.  Phipps,  and  the  nine  or  ten  men  who  were  known 
to  be  friendly  to  him,  and  to  abandon  them  to  their  fate  on  the 
island. 

Apprehensive  that  the  carpenter  might  be  necessary  on  their 
voyage,  they  sent  to  him,  then  at  work  on  the  vessel,  and  re 
quested  that  they  would  come  to  them.  On  his  arrival  he  was 
apprised  of  their  design,  and  threatened  with  death  should  he 
not  second  their  views.  The  carpenter,  being  an  honest  man, 
requested  an  half  hour  to  think  upon  the  proposal,  and  re 
turning  to  the  ship,  accompanied  by  u  spy  from  the  mutineers, 
resumed  his  work.  On  a  sudden,  feigning  himself  severely 
distressed  with  pain,  he  excused  himself,  while  he  should  hasten 
to  the  captain,  who  was  below,  for  a  dram.  In  a  few  words, 
whilst  the  dram  was  getting,  he  discovered  the  plot  to  Capt, 
Phipps,  and  sought  his  advice.  The  captain  bid  him  go  back.to  the 
rogues,  sign  their  articles,  and  leave  the  rest  to  him.  No  soon 
er  had  the'carpenter  gone,  than  Capt.  Phipps  summoned  the 
men  on  board,  of  whom  the  gunner  was  one,  and  having  briefly 
stated  the  plan  in  agitation,  demanded  of  them  whether  they 
they  would  share  his  fortune;  to  which  they  unanimously  agreed. 
All  their  provisions  were  on  V-hore  in  a  tent,  round  which  several 
jruns  had  been  planted,  to  defend  them  from  the  Spaniards, 
would  any  chance  to  pass  that  way.  These  guns  Capt.  Phipps 
ordered  his  men  to  charge,  and  silently  to  turn  in  the  direction 


THE  UXITED  STATED. 99, 

of  the  mutineers,  while  he  should  pull  up  tfieVridge,  and  with* 
the  assistance  of  two or  three  others  bring  the  guns  on  board 
to  bear  on  every  side  of  the  tent. 

Scarcely  were  these  preparations  ended,  when  the  muti 
neers,  flushed  with  ttieir  anticipated  success,  made  their  ap 
pearance.  On  their  nearer  approach,  Capt.  Phipps  bade  them  ad 
vance  at  their  peril ;  at  the  same  time  directing  his  men  to  fire, 
should  a  single  one  come  forward.  Awed  by  his  decision,  and 
the  death  like  preparations  visible,  (hey  paused  ;  upon  which 
Capt.  Phipps  informed  them  that  their  'plot  was  discovered 
and  that  he  was  determined  to  leave  them  to  that  fate,  whicil 
they  had  designed  for  him,  and  those  of  the  crew  who  were 
too  virtuous  to  second  their  villainous  purposes.  At  the  same  time 
he  directed  the  bridge  to  be  let  down,  and  the  provision  to  be 
brought  on  board — while  some  of  the  men  should  stand  with 
matches  at  the  <rmis  with  orders  to  fire  should  a  single  mati- 
neer  advance.  This  unexpected  reverse,  and  especially  the 
prospect  of  a  certain,  but  a  lingering  death  on  a  desolate  shore, 
had  the  effect  to  subdue  the  mutineers,  who  now  on  their  knees 
besought  his  pardon,  and  promised  obedience  to  his  orders. 
Unwilling,  however,  to  trust  them,  Capt.  Phipps  tied  their  arms 
one  after  another ;  and  when  all  were  on  board  immediate 
ly  weighed  anchor,  and  sailed  for  Jamaica,  where  he  dismissed 
them.  From  this  place  having  shipped  another  crew,  he  sailed 
for  Hispaniola,  intending  to  proceed  in  search  of  the  Spanish 
wreck  ;  but  his  crew  proving  unfit, he  returned  to  England. 

Through  the  ass'Stancc  of  the  Duke  of  Albemarlo,  and  other 
pei  sons  of  quality,  he  was  furnished  with  another  ship  and  a  tender 
with  which  he  sailed  for  Porto  de  la  Plata,  where  after  com 
pleting- his  preparations,  he  proceeded  in  search  of  the  wreck. 
Having  for  a  long  (line  fruitlessly  sought  the  object  of  his  voy 
age,  in  the  neighborhood  of  a  reef  of  rocks  called  the  B  nlers, 
further  search  was  about  being  abandoned,  when,  as  one  of  the 
boats  was  returning  t-j  the  ship  across  the  reef,  one  of  the  men 
looking  over  the  side,  spied  as  he  thought  a  sea-feather,  grow 
ing  out  of  a  rock  ;  whereupon  an  Indian  diver  was  directed  tc 
descend  and  fetch  it  up.  But  what  was  their  surprise  and  joy,  on 
his  return,  to  learn  that  he  had  discovered  several  guns,  h  ing 
on  the  bottom  of  t'.ie  deep.  A  second  descent  of  the  Indian 
increase!  their  joy  still  more,  for  on  his  rising,  he  was  bearing 
in  his  hand  a  sotc,  as  they  called  it,  or  a  mass  of  silver  of  the 
value  of  several  hundred  pounds  sterling.  Tidings  of  the  dis 
covery  were  immediately  conveyed  to  Capt.  Phipps,  who  with 
his  men,  repaired  to  the  spot,  and  upon  leaving  the  place,  car 
ried  with  him  thirty  tons  of  silver  bullion,  besides  a  large  quan- 
ity  of  gold,  pearls,  and  jewels,  over  which  the  billows  had 
teen  roiling  for  more  than  half  a  century.  On  his  arrival  in 


,^  ^     UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

London,  the  property  thns  rescued  was  valued  at  nearly  three 
hundred  thousand  pounds  sterling-  ;  yet  of  this  sum,  such  was 
his  exemplary  honesty  and  liberality,  that  partly  by  fulfilling  his 
assurances  to  his  seamen,  and  partly  by  conscientiously  paying 
over  to  his  employers  all  their  dues,  he  hat!  left  to  himself  less  than 
sixteen  thousand  pounds.  As  a  reward  to  his  fidelity,  however, 
he  received  a  large  present  from  the  Duke  of  Albemarle,  and 
upon  a  representation  of  his  enterprise  to  the  king,  his  majesty 
conferred  upon  him  the  honour  of  knighthood.  Liberal  offers 
were  made  to  him  by  the  commissioners  of  the  navy  to  continue 
in  England,  but,  he  had  too  great  an  attachment  for  his  native 
country  to  think  of  a  permanent  residence  in  any  other  land 
than  that  of  New-England. 

James  II.  was  at  this  time  on  the  throne  of  England,  by 
whom  the  colonies  in  America  had  been  deprived  of  iheir  char 
ters,  and  under  whose  governors  they  were  severely  suffering 
from  arbitrary  laws  and  excessive  exactions. — Pleased  with 
Phipps,  the  king  gave  him  an  opportunity  to  ask  of  his  majesty 
what  he  pleased;  upon  which,  forgetting  personal  aggrandize 
ment,  he  besought  for  New-England,  that  her  lost  privileges 
might  be  restored  to  her.  This  was  too  great  a  boon  to  be  grante4, 
and  the  king  replied,  "any  tiling  but  that"  His  next,  request  was, 
that  he  might  be  appointed  high  sheriff  of  the  country,  hoping 
that  by  means  of  his  deputies  in  that  ofSce,  he  might  supply 
the  country  with  conscientious  juries  "which  was  the  only 
method,''  says  Mather  "  that  (he  New-Englanders  had  left 
!h?r£  to  secure  any  thing  that  was  dear  to  them." 

Having  at  some  expense  obtained  his  request,  after  an  ab 
sence  of  "five  years,  he  arrived  in  his  native  country  ;  but  the 
king's  government  found  means  not  only  to  set  aside  his  com 
mission  as  high  sheriff,  but  also  to  raise  against  him  such  a 
tide  of  opposition,  that  he  had  nearly  been  assassinated  before 
his  own  door.  Finding  affairs  in  so  unsettled  a  state,  and  his 
own  situation  uncomfortable,  he  not  long  after,  took  another 
voyage  to  England.  Soon  after  his  arrival  in  that  country, 
Jarnes  abdicated  the  throne,  and  the  Prince  of  Orange  ascended 
it.  This  event  was  the  harbinger  of  better  things  to  New  Eng 
land.  Having  tendered  his  services  to  William,  and  rejected 
with  disdain  the  government  of  New  England,  proffered  to  him 
about  this  time  by  the  abdicated  king,  he  hastened  his  return  to 
America,  hoping  now  to  be  of  some  service  to  his  country.  In 
the  unsettled  state  of  the  colonies,  his  wisdom  and  influence 
were  of  great  importance,  and  contributed  not  a  little  to  for 
ward  the  revolution,  which  issued  in  freeing  the  colonies  fro  n 
the  tyranny  of  James  and  his  minister's. 

The  latter  part  of  the  life  of  Sir  William  Phipps  is  rendered 
doubly  interesting,  by  his  openly  espousing  the  cause  of  reli- 


THE   UNITED  STATES.  :\  :'iOl/ 

At  the  acre  of  forty  he  was  publicly  baptized  in  one  of 
the  churches  of  Boston,  and  received  into  her  communion.  In 
an  address  on  that  occasion,  in  conclusion  he  observed,  "  I  have 
had  proffers  of  baptism  elsewhere  made  to  me,  but  I  resolved 
rather  to  defer  it  until  I  could  enjoy  it  in  the  communion  of 
these  churches.  I  have  had  awful  impressions  from  the  words 
of  the  Lord  Jesus,  '  VVnosoever  shall  be  ashamed,  of  me,  and 
of  rny  word,  of  him  shall  the  Son  of  Man  be  ashamed.'  When 
God  had  blessed  me  with  something  of  the  world,  I  had  no 
trouble  so  great  as  this,  lest  it  should  not  be  in  mercy  ;  and  I 
trembled  at  nothing  more  than  being  put  off  with  a  portion  here. 
That  I  may  be  sure  of  better  things,  I  now  offer  myself  unto  the 
communion  of  the  faithful." 

King  William's  war  breaking  out  at  this  time,  he  sailed  upon 
the  expedition  against  Port  Royal  and  Quebec,  related  above. 
fn  the  following  year  he  received  a  commision  as  captain  gene 
ral  and  governor  in  chief  over  the  province  of  Massachusetts 
Bay.  No  appointment  could  have  been  mo  e  acceptable  to  the 
people.  He  came  to  the  government,  however,  in  unsettled 
tim-is,  and  though  his  administration  was  marked  by  disinter 
estedness  and  liberality,  it  was  his  fortune,  as  it  is  the  fortune  of 
all-in  high  stations,  to  have  enemies.  Too  restless  to  remain 
at  ease*  they  at  length  preferred  charges  against  him  to  the 
king,  who,  though  satisfied  of  his  fidelity,  considering  it  expe 
dient  to  inquire  into  the  case,  directed  Sir  William  to  appear  in 
England.  In  obedience  to  :he  royal  command,  he  took  leave  of 
B  Hion,  in  Nov.  1694,  attended  with  every  demonstration  of 
respect  from  the  people,  and  with  addresses  to  their  Majesties, 
that  he  might  be  continued  in  his  present  respectable  and  use 
ful  station. 

On  his  arrival  in  England,  the  cloud,  which  had  hun»  over 
him,  was  dispelling,  and  the  prospect  flattering  of  his  speedy 
return  to  h •?  g  >v  3rii!n?iH,  uninjured  by  the  accusation  of  preju 
dice  and  cjla  iiMv.  But  Providence  had  now  accomplished  its 
designs  in  re-poet  to  him.  He  was  suddenly  attacked  by  a 
malignant  disease,  which  terminated  his  life,  in  February,  to 
the  great  grief  of  all  who  were  acquainted  with  the  generoiity 
and  patriotism,  integrity,  and  piety,  that  distinguished  him. 

The  life  of  such  a  man  is  always  replete  with  instruction. 
It  reveals  to  tho^e  in  the  humbler  waiks  of  life,  the  means  by 
which  they  may  not  only  arrive  at  distinction,  but  to  that  which 
is  of  far  higher  importance — an  extended  sphere  of  usefulness 
in  chu  ch  and  state.  Enterprise,  exertion,  integrity,  will  ac 
complish  every  thing-.* 

*  Mather's  Ma»nalia. 


102  UNIVERSAL  HISTOLY  OF 

This  year,  1691,  colonel  Henry  Sloughter  succeeded  colonel 
Leisler,  Governor  of  New  York.  Leisler,  when  informed  of 
this  appointment,  onglit  to  have  relinquished  the  authority  he 
had  exercised.  Although  twice  required  he  refused  to  surren 
der  the  fort.  Sloughler  caused  Leisler  and  Milborneto  be  ar 
rested  and  executed  for  high  treason. 

In  July,  1691,  Piter  Schuyler,  al  the  head  of  three  hundred 
Mohawks,  made  a  sudden  and  bold  attack  upon  the  French 
settlements  at  the  North  end  of  Lake  Charr  plain.  An  army  of 
eight  hundred  men  was  despatched  from  Wontreal  to  oppose 
him.  \Vith1hem  he  had  several  singular  but  successful  con 
flicts,  iu  which  he  killed  a  greater  number  of  the  enemy  than 
his  whole  party. 

In  1692,  colonelFletcher,  succeeded  governor  Sloughter,  and 
was  authorised  bv  his  commission  to  take  command  of  the  mi 
litia  of  Connecticut.  This  power  haxing  been  given  by  the 
charter  to  the  Governor  of  the  colony  oi  ISew  England,  he  de 
termined  not  to  relinquish  it,  and  was  supported  by  the  people. 

On  the  26th  of  October,  colonel  Fletcher  came  to  Hartford, 
while  the  assembly  were  sitting,  and,  in  his  majesty's  name, 
demanded  their  submission  of  the  militia  to  bis  command,  as 
they  would  answer  it  to  his  majesty;  and  that  they  would  give 
him  a  speedy  answer  in  one  word,  Yes  or  Mo.  He  subscribed 
himself  his  majesty's  lieutenent,  and  commander  in  chief  of  the 
militia,  and  of  all  the  forces  by  sea  or  land,  and  of  all  the 
forts  and  places  of  strength  in  the  colony  of  Connecticut. 
He  ordered  the  militia  of  Hartford  under  arms,  that  he 
might  beat  up  for  volunteers.  It  was  judged  expedient  to 
call  the  trainbands  in  Hartford  together  ;  but  theassembly 
insisted,  that  the  command  of  the  militia  was  expressly  vest 
ed,  by  charter,  in  the  governor  and  company  ;  and  that 
they  .could,  by  no  means,  consistently  with  their  just  rights 
and  the  common  safety,  resign  it  into  any  other  bands.  They 
insinuated,  that  his  demands  were  an  invasion  of  their  essen 
tial  privileges,  and  subversive  of  their  constitution. 

Upon  this,  colonel  Bayard,  by  his  excellency's  command, 
sent  a  letter  into  the  assembly,  declaring,  that  his  excellency 
had  no  design  upon  the  civil  rights  of  the  colony;  but  would 
leave  them,  in  all  respects,  as  he  found  them.  IB  the  name  of 
his  excellency,  he  tendered  a  commission  to  governor  Treat, 
empowering  him  to  command  the  militia  of  the  colony.  He  de 
clared,  that  his  excellency  insisted,  that  they  should  acknowl 
edge  it  an  essential  right,  inherent  in  his  majesty,  to  command 
the  militia  ;  and  that  he  was  determined  not  to  set  his  foot  out 
of  the  colony  until  he  had  seen  his  majesty's  commission  obey 
ed  :  That  he  would  issue  his  proclamation,  showing  the  n:eans 
he  had  taken  to  give  ease  and  satisfaction  to  his  majesty's  sub- 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  103 

jacts  of  Connecticut,  and  that  he  would  distinguish  the   disloy 
al  from  the  rest. 

The  assembly,  nevertheless,  would  not  give  up  the  command 
of  the  militia  ;  nor  would  governor  Treat  receive  a  commission 
from  colonel  Fletcher. 

The  trainbands  of  Hartford  assembled,  and,  as  the  tradition 
is,  while  captain  Wadsworth,  the  senior  officer,  was  walking 
in  frunt  of  the  companies,  arid  exercising  the  soldiers,  colonel 
Fletcher  ordered  iris  commission  and  instructions  to  he  read. 
Captain  Wadsworth  instantly  commanded,  "  Beat  the  drums  ;" 
and  tiiere  was  such  a  roaring  of  them  that  nothing-  else  could 
be  heard.  Colonel  Fletcher  commanded  silence.  But  nosoon- 
er  had  Bayard  made  an  attempt  to  read  again,  than  Wadsworth 
commands,  "•  Drum,  drum,  I  say."  The  drummers  understood 
their  business,  and  instantly  beat  up  with  all  the  art  and  life  of 
which  they  were  masters.  "•  Silence,  silence,"  says  the  Colo 
nel.  No  sooner  was  there  a  pause,  than  Wadsuorth  speaks 
with  great  earnestness,  '*  Drum,  drum,  I  say  ;'  and  turning  to 
hi=;  excellency,  said,  "  If  I  am  interrupted  a^ain  I  will  make 
the  sun  shine  through  you  in  a  moment."  He  spoke  with  such 
energy  in  his  voice  and  meaning  in  his  countenance,  that  no 
further  attempts  were  made  to  read  or  enlist  men.  Such  num 
bers  of  people  collected  together,  and  their  spirits  appeared  so 
high,  that  the  Governor  and  his  suite  judged  it  expedient,  soon 
to  leave  the  town  and  return  to  New  Vork. 

No  pen  can  describe  the  cruelties  which  were  practised  du 
ring  the  French  and  Indian  war.  Wonvn  soon  expecting  to 
become  mothers  were  ripped  up,  and  their  unborn  offspring1, 
dashed  against  a  stone  or  tree.  Infants,  when  troublesom0 
were  despatched  in  the  same  manner.  Some  of  the  captives 
were  roasted  alive  ;  others  received  deep  wounds  in  the  flesh, 
and  sticks  on  fire  thrust  into  them,  and  were  thus  tormented  to 
death. 

169-1.  Upon  the  solicitations  of  governor  Fletcher  and  Sir 
William  Phipps,  agents,  with  a  number  of!n;ops  were  sent  to 
attend  a  treaty  with  the  Five  Nations.  The  expense  of  it  was 
about  four  hundred  pounds. 

December  10th  1697,  closed  the  horrid  scene,  by  a  treaty  of 
peace  between  Great  Britain  and  France. 

The  winter  of  1696  was  unusually  severe.  Never  had  the 
country  sustained  such  losses  in  commerce',  nor  had  provisions 
ever  been  so  scarce,  or  borne  a  higher  price. 

The  surprise  of  Dover,  in  New  Hampshire,  was  attended  by 
circumstances  of  the  most  shocking  barbarity.  That  the  na 
tives  had  been  cruelly  injured  by  major  Waldron,  the  princi- 
palcitizen.may  account  for  it,  if  not  extenuate  their  ferocity,  in 
obtaining  revenge.  Having  determined  upon  their  plan  of 


104  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

attack,  they  employed  more  than  their  usual  art  to  lull  the 
suspicions  of  the  inhabitants.  So  civil  and  respectful  was  their 
behaviour,  that  they  often  obtained  permission  to  sleep  iu  the 
fortified  houses  in  the  town. 

On  the  fatal  evening-  they  assembled  in  the  neighbourhood, 
and  sent  their  women  to  apply  for  lodgings  at  the  houses  devot 
ed  to  destruction  ;  they  were  not  only  admitted,  but  were 
shown  how  they  could  open  the  doors,  should  they  have  oc 
casion  to  go  ot-it  in  the  night.  When  all  was  quiet,  the  doors 
were  opened,  and  a  signal  ^iven.  The  Indians  rushed  into 
Mr.  Waldron's  house,  and  hastened  to  his  apartment.  Awa 
kened  by  the  noise,  he  seized  his  sword,  and  drove  them  back  ; 
but  when  returning  for  his  other  amis,  he  was  stunned  with  a 
hatchet,  and  fell.  They  then  dragged  him  into  the  hall,  seated 
him  in  an  elbow  chair,  upon  a  large  (able,  and  insultingly  asked 
him,  "  who  shall  judge  Indians  now  ?"  each  one,  with  his  knife, 
cut  gashes  across  his  breast,  saying,  ^  I  cross  out  my  ac 
count."  When  weakened  with  the  loss  of  blood,  he  was 
about  to  fall  from  the  table,  his  own  sword  was  held  under  him, 
which  put  an  end  to  his  misery. 

At  other  houses,  similar  acts  of  cruelty  were  perpetrated. 
In  the  whole  town  twenty-three  persons  were  killed,  twenty- 
nine  carried  prisoners  to  Canada,  and  sold  to  the  French. 

The  details  of  individual  Bufferings  that  occurred  during  this 
war,  were  they  faithfully  recorded,  would  excite  the  sympathies 
of  (he  most  unfeeling  bosum.  One  instance  only  will  serve 
to  confiim  the  remark. 

In  an  attack,  by  a  body  of  Indians,  upon  Haverhill,  New- 
Hampshire,  in  the  winter  of  1G97,  the  concluding  year  of  the 
war,  a  party  of  the  assailants,  burning  with  savage  animosity, 
approached  the  house  of  a  Mr.  Dustau.  Upon  the  first  alarm, 
he  flew  from  a  neighboring  field  to  his  family,  with  the  hope 
of  hurrying  them  to  a  place  of  safety.  Seven  of  his  children 
he  directed  to  nVe,  while  he  himself  went  to  assist  his  wife, 
who  was  confined  in  her  bod  with  an  infant  a  week  old;  but 
before  she  could  leava  the  bed,  thes  avages  arrived. 

In  despair  of  rendering  her  assistance,  Mr.  Dustan  flew  to 
the  door,  mounted  his  horse,  and  determined  in  his  own  mind 
to  snatch  up  the  child  wh.ch  he  loved  best.  He  followed  in 
pursuit  of  his  little  flock,  but  on  coming  up  with  them,  he 
found  it  impossible  to  make  a  selection.  He  determined,  there 
fore,  to  meet  his  fate  with  them ;  to  defend  and  save  them 
from  the  knife  of  the  pursuing  savages,  or  die  by  their  side. 

A  body  of  the  Indians  soon  came  up  with  them,  and  from 
short  distances,  commenced  a  fire  upon  him  and  his  little  com 
pany.  For  more  than  a  mile  he  continued  to  retreat,  placinr 
himself  between  the  fire  of  the  Indians  and  his  children,  ari< 


THE 

Treat  spirit  s 

ody  pursuers,  ia  » 

It   i~  i  nobler  ins 

- 
. 

i 

•ered 

.  -  -  :"i- 

.n- 
- 

la  t: 
mar  : 

.\ad 
- 

9 

[  pr  :a  an 

_irn  the 

- 
- 
.    _  . 

- 
ener_  _  :ae 

they 

B 

:ed  bv   tw-  - 

set  c 

- 

-     , 

ran  :  - 

tion  earn 
led  them  promptly  to 

2 

awakfnwber  nur  -  etl 

ten   . 

two    •  -  The   Wi  - 

and  danjfr^us  journey   -  --    -. 

arrived  sate  at  Hav    -  -  •  •  •»-  they   v  - 

and  received   :  general   c-mrt  a  ha 

tion       -  -  •  -  -  ^ic  cone 

-"  '.v  itch  craft  in   >        -  nd,  and   if 

•  in  at  Spri    _  -          ... 

•      -    vere  aboir 

'.:s;    1  atCharL  :    Dorchester,   I 


100  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

1  at  Cambridge,  and  1  at  Boston.  For  almost  30  years  after 
wards  the  subject  rested.  Bat  in  16M7,  or  1668,  it  was  revived 
in  Boston  ;  four  of  the  children  of  John  Goodwin  uniting  in  ac 
cusing  a  poor  Irish  woman  with  bewitching1  them.  Unhappily, 
the  accusation  was  regarded  with  attention,  and  the  woman 
was  tried  and  executed.  Near  the  close  of  February,  1692, 
the  subject  was  again  revived,  in  consequence,  of  several  chil 
dren  near  Danvers  and  Salem,  beginning  to  act  in  a  peculiar 
and  unacoimtable  manner.  Their  strange  conduct  continuing1 
for  several  days,  their  friends  betook  themselves  to  fasting  and 
prayer.  During  religious  exercises,  it  was  found  that  the  chil- 
were  generally  decent  and  still;  but  after  service  was  ended, 
they  renewed  their  former  inexplicable  conduct.  This  was 
deemed  sufficient  evidence  that  they  were  laboring  under  the 
influence  of  witchcraft. 

At  the  expiration  of  some  days,  the  children  began  to  accuse 
several  persons  in  the  neighborhood  of  bewitching  them.  Un 
fortunately  they  were  credited,  and  the  suspected  authors  of  the 
spell  were  seized  and  imprisoned. 

From  this  date  the  awful  mania  rapidly  spread  into  the  neigh 
boring  country,  and  soon  appeared  in  various  parts  of  Essex, 
Middlesex,  and  Suffolk.  Persons  at  Andoyer,  Ipswich,  Glou 
cester,  Boston  and  various  other  places,  were  accused  by  their 
neighbors  and  others. 

For  some  time  the  victims  were  selected  only  from  among  the 
lower  classes.  Bat  at  length,  the  accusations  fell  upon  per 
sons  of  the  most  respectable  rank.  In  August,  Mr.  George 
Burroughs,  sometime  minister  in  Salem,  was  accused,  brought 
to  trial,  and  condemned.  Accusations  were  also  brought  against 
Mr.  English,  a  respectable  merchant  in  Salem,  and  his  wife  ; 
against  Messrs.  Dudley  and  Bradley,  sons  of  the  then  late 
governor  Bradstreet ;  against  the  wife  of  Mr.  Hale,  the  lady  of 
Sir  Wm.  I'hipps,  and  against  the  secretary  of  Connecticut. 

The  evil  had  now  become  awfully  alarming1.  One  man  nam 
ed  Giles  Corry,  had  been  pressed  to  death  for  refusing  to  plead, 
and  nineteen  persons  had  been  executed.  More  than  one 
third  of.  these  were  members  of  the  chu  -ch.  One  hundred  and 
fifty  were  in  prison,  and  two  hundred  were  accused. 

At  length,  the  inquiry  was  anxiously  suggested,  where  will 
this  accumulated  mischief  and  misery  end?  The  conviction 
soon  followed,  that  the  proceedings  had  been  rash  and  indefen 
sible.  A  special  court  was  held  on  the  subject,  and  titty  who 
were  brought  to  trial  were  acquitted  excepting  three,  who  were 
afterwards  reprieved  by  the  governor.  These  events  were  follow 
ed  by  a  general  release  of  those  who  had  been  imprisoned.  "  Thus 
the  cloud,"  says  the  late  president  Dwight,  "which  had  so  long 
hung  over  the  colony,  slowly  and  sullenly  retired  ;  and  like  the 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  107 

darkness  of  Egypt,  was  to  the  groat  joy  of  the  distressed  inhabit 
ants,  succedeed  by  serenity  and  sunshine." 

We  who  live  to  look  back  upon  this  scene,  are  wont  to  con 
template  w  ith  wonder  the  seeming  madness  and  infatuation, 
not  of  the  weak,  illiterate,  and  unprincipled,  but  of  men  of 
sense,  education,  and  fervent  piety.  Let  us  consider,  however, 
that  at  this  period,  the  actual  existence  of  witchcraft  was  taken 
for  granted,  and  that  doubts  respecting  it,  were  deemed  little 
less  than  heresy.  The  learned  Baxfer,  who  at  this  time  in  Eng 
land,  where  the  same  notions  on  this  subject  prevailed,  pro 
nounced  the  disbeliever  in  witchcraft,  an  "  obdurate  sadducee  ; 
and  sir  Mathew  Hale,  one  of  the  brightest  ornaments  of  the 
English  bench,  repeatedly  tried  and  condemned  those  as  crimi 
nals  who  were  accused  of  witchciafl.  Let  us  then  rather 
advert  with  gratitude  to  our  own  freedom  from  such  delusions, 
than  bestow  invectives  upon  those  who  can  plead,  in  excuse  for 
their  error,  the  spirit  of  the  age  in  which  they  lived. 

In  1693,  the  earl  of  Bellamont  was  appointed  governor.  He 
was  particularly  instructed  to  clear  the  Arneiicen  seas  of  the 
pirates  who  infested  them,  and  who  it  was  suspected  had  even 
received  encouragement  from  governor  Fletcher. 

The  government  declining  lo  furnish  the  necessary  naval  force, 
the  earl,  with  others,  engaged  in  a  private  undertaking  against 
them.  The  associates  procured  a  vessel  of  war  :  gave"  the 
command  of  it  to  a  captain  Kidd,  and  sent  him  to  cruise  against 
the  pirates.  He  had  been  but  a  short  time  at  sea,  when  disre 
garding  his  instruction^,  he  made  a  new  contract  with  his  crew, 
and  on  the  Atlantic  and  Indian  ocean  became  himself  a  daring 
atrocious,  and  successful  pirate.  Three  years  afterwards, 
he  returned,  burned  his  vessel,  and  appeared  publicly  in  Boston. 
He  was  apprehended  and  sent  to  England,  where  he  was  tried 
and  executed. 

When  Gov.  Bellamont  had  settled  the  affairs  of  that  Govern 
ment,  he  returned  toNew-Yuik,  where  he  died  in  1701,  greatly 
lamented. 

Scarcely  had  the  colonies  recovered  from  the  war  which 
ended  in  1697,  before  they  were  again  involved  in  the  horrors  of 
another  war  with  the  French,  Indians  and  Spaniards,  which 
continued  from  1702  to  March  31,  1713. 

In  February  1704,  De«M field,  in  Massachusetts  was  sur 
prised  in  the  night.  About  40  persons  was  killed,  and  150 
made  prisoners,  among  whom  wero  Mr.  Williams,  the  minister, 
and  his  fam.lv.  They  cair.e  lo  the  house  of  Mr.  Williams, 
forced  open  the  doors  and  entered  the  room  where  Mr.  Wil 
liams  was  sleeping.  Awaked  bv  the  noise,  he  seized  his  pis 
tol,  and  snapped  it  at  the  first  Indian,  hut  it  missed  fire,  the 
house  was  then  plundered,  and  two  of  his  children  and  the 


108  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

black  female  servant,  were  butchered  before  his  eyes.  The 
savages  at  length  suffered  his  wife  and  himself,  with  five  chil 
dren,  to  put  on  their  clothes,  and  prepare  for  a  long-  journe} •'. 
Every  house  but  the  one  next  to  Mr.  Williams'  was  consumed. 

"  One  house  still  remains,  as  a  painful  memento  to  posterity. 
The  front  door  was  hacked  and  hewn  with  hatchets,  until  the 
savages  had  cut  a  hole  through  it  ;  through  this  hole  they  fired 
into  the  house  ;  this  door,  which  still  bears  its  ancient  wounds, 
and  the  hole,  (closed  only  by-.a  board,  tacked  on  within.)  remains 
now  as  the  savages  left  it,  and  is  a  most  interesting  monument. 

"  Through  the  windows  they  also  fired,  and  one  bullet  killed 
the  female  head  of  the  family,  sit  ting  up  in  bed,  and  the  mark  of 
that  bullet,  as  well  as  of  four  otiiers,  is  visible  in  the  room  :  in 
one  of  the  holes  in  a  joist,  another  bullet,  remains  to  this  day. 
This  family  were  all  killed,  or  cam's  d  into  captivity." 

The  second  day,  Mrs.  Williams  began  to  fail,  and  could  go 
no  farther.  Her  husband  requested  permision  to  remain  with 
her  ;  but  they  plunged  a  hatchet  into  her  head,  and  compelled 
him  to  proceed.  Before  the  termination  of  their  journey, 
twenty  more  shared  the  same  fate.  Those  who  reached  Cana 
da,  were  treated  with  humanity  by  the  French. 

At  the  end  of  two  years,  Mr.  Willliams,  and  fifty-seven  oth 
ers,  were  redeemed,  and  he  returned  to  Deerfield,  where  he 
continued  his  labors  in  the  ministry  twelve  years,  and  died. 
His  eldest  daughter  was  married  to  an  Indian  in  Canada,  where 
she  lived  many  years.  She  came  into  IN ew  England  onc'e  or 
twice,  with  her  sannup  and  children,  to  visit  her  friends,  and  at 
her  death  left,  a  numerous  family. 

In  1707,  Massachusetts,  Rhode  Island,  and  New  Hampshire, 
despatched  an  armament  against  Port  Royal,  in  Nova  Scotia, 
which  was  in  possession  of  the  French.  The  expedition,  con 
sisted  of  one  thousand  men  ;  but  returned  without  accomplish 
ing  its  object. 

General  Nicholson  visited  England,  and  proposed  an  expedi 
tion  against  Canada.  In  June  1711,  Admiral  Walker,  with  a 
fleet  of  fifteen  ships  of  war,  and  forty  transports,  arrived  at 
Boston,  and  taking  on  board  two  additional  regiments,  he  sailed 
from  Boston  the  last  of  July.  At  the  same  time,  general  Nich 
olson  proceeded  from  Alhany.  at  the  head  of  four  thousand 
men,  from  Connec  ieut,  New- York,  and  New  Jersey,  against 
Canada. 

The  fleet  had  advanced  about  ten  leagues  up  the  river  St. 
Lawrence,  when  the  weather  became  foggy.  Different  opin 
ions  arose,  Concerning  what  couse  to  take  ;  the  English  Pilots 
recommended  one'course,  the  Americans  another.  The  admiral, 
like  all  other  English  officers,  adopted  the  advise  of  his  own  pi 
lots  ;  and  about  midnight,  nine  transports  were  driven  upon  the 


THE    UiNITED  STATES.  109 

Tocks  and  dashed  to  pieces.  Abo'-4  one  thousand  men  sunk  to 
rise  no  more.  Not  a  single  American  was  lost.  The  Ad 
miral  returned  to  England,  and  on  the  15th  of  October,  his 
ship  blew  up,  and  four  hundred  seamen  perished.  Trie  New 
England  troops  returned  home,  and  when  Nicholson,  \vlio  had 
advanced  as  far  as  lake  George  learned  the  fate  of  the  fleet, 
he  led  back  his  troops  to  Albany.  The  next  year,  1713, 
France  and  England  made  peace  at  Utrecht;  this  relieved  the 
northern  part  of  the  country,  and  in  the  same  year,  peace  was 
concluded  with  the  Indian?. 

Such  was  the  destruction  of  lives  in  this  war,  that  the  popu 
lation  of  New  England  was  sensibly  decreasing.  Their  expen 
ses  were  great,  which  obliged  them  to  issue  bills  of  credit,  or 
paper  money,  which  perplexed  the  government  in  all  their 
transactions. 

In  1716, -Samuel  Street,  a  colonel  in  the  army  of  the  celebra 
ted  duke  of  Marlborough,  was  appointed  governor.  On  his 
arrival  in  the  province,  he  found  the  people  divided  into  parties; 
one  in  favour. of  a  public  Bank,  which  had  just  been  established: 
the  other  for  a  private  Bank. 

He  joined  the  former  ;  the  latter  became  hostile,  and  led  by 
a  Mr.  Cook  opposed  with  virulence  all  his  measures. 

In  1715,  after  several  years  of  profound  peace,  an  Indian  war 
broke  out  in  South  Carolina.  All  the  tribes  from  Florida  to 
Cape  Fear  had  been  long  engaged  in  a  conspiracy  against  the 
whites.  On  the  morning  of  the  15th  of  April,  the  first  blow  was 
struck,  at  the  settlements  ar^ur'l  Tort  Royal.  Ninety  persons 
were  massacred.  Some  oft?'-  '  .i;tbitants  escaped  by  embark 
ing  on  board  a  vessel  which  then  lay  in  the  harbour,  and  sailed 
directly  for  Charleston.  At  a  plantation  on  Goose  Creek, 
seventy  whites  and  forty  faithful  negroes  being  protected  by  a 
breast  work,  determined' to  maintain  their  post  ;  but  on  the  fir^t 
attack,  their  courage  failed  them,  and  they  agreed  to  surrender. 
The  instant  they  fell  into  the  power  of  the  enemy,  all  were 
barbarously  murdered. 

Governor  Craven,  from  North  Carolina,  at  the  head  of  one 
thousand  men,  marched  against  the  savages.  He  discovered 
several  small  parties,  who  fled  before  him.  At  Saltcatchers,  he 
found  them  all  assembled,  and  there  an  obstinate  and  bloody 
battle  was  fought.  The  whites  were  victorious,  and  compel 
led  the  enemy  to  leave  the  province.  Most  of  them  fled  to 
Florida,  and  were  kindly  received  by  the  Spaniards. 

In  1719,  at  a  general  review  of  the  militia  at  Chariest  on,  oo- 
casioned  by  a  threatening  invasion  of  the  colony  from  Florida, 
the  officers  and  soldiers  bound  themselves  by  a  solemn  compact, 
to  support  each  other  in  resisting  the  tyranny  of  the  proprie 
tors  ;  and  the  assembly  which  was  then  in  session,  requested 
10 


]  10  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

the  Governor,  by  a  respectful  address,  to  consent  to  administer 
the  government  in  the  king's  name.  He  refused,  and  by  proc- 
lamaiion  dissolved  the  assembly.  The  members  immediately 
met  and  elected  colonel  James  Moore  their  governor.  He  was 
a  bold  man,  and  exceedingly  well  qualified  for  a  popular  lead 
er,  in  aturbuient  season.  He  accepted  the  appointment,  aiul 
administered  the  affairs  of  the  colony. 

The  conduct  c.f  the  proprietors  and  people  was  brought  be 
fore  his  mnjesty's  council.  After  a  full  hearing,  it  was  decided 
that  both  colonies  should  be  taken  under  the  protection  of  the 
crown.  In  1719,  Hunter,  governor  of  New  York,  quitted  the 
province,  and  Irs  authority  devolved  on  Peter  Schuyler.  The 
next  }ear,  William  Burner.,  son  of  the  celebrated  bishop,  was 
appointed  governor.  Turning  his  attention  towards  the  wil 
derness,  he  perceived  that  the  French,  in  order  to  secure  them 
selves  the  Indian  tsade,  arid  confine  the  English  to  the  st.a 
coast,  were  erect  in:;  foris,  from  St.  Lawrence  to  the  Mississippi. 
He  endeavoured  to  defeat  these  designs,  by  building  a  trading 
house  and  fort  at  Os-wego,  on  lake  Ontario.  But  the  French 
applied  with  great  activity  in  accomplishing  their  object  ;  they 
launched  two  vessels  upon  the  lake,  and  erected  a  fort  at 
Niag-ara ;  they  had  previously  erected  fort  Frontinac,  com- 
mandir  g  the  outlet. 

The  peace  of  1713,  was  of  short  duration.  In  1722,  the 
eastern  Indians  began  to  be  hostile,  murdering  several  per 
sons,  and  burning1  the  town  of  Brunswick-  In  1723,  Dover 
was  surprised,  and  several  persons  killed,  and  a  number  carried 
into  captivity;  and  in  1724,  repeated  attacks  were  made,  and 
the  English  kept  in  a  continual  alarm.  Numbers  were  killed. 
The  English  in  their  turn  made  an  attack  upon  Norridgewa)  ; 
killed  Railed  the  Jesuit,  and  about  eighty-seven  Indians.  The 
war  now  raged  with  violence,  until  1726,  when  peace  was 
restored.  This  treaty  was  greatly  applauded,  and  under  it, 
owing  to  the  more  pacific  feelings  of  the  Indians,  and  more 
faithful  observance  of  the  English,  the  colonies  experienced 
unusual  tranquillity  for  a  long  time. 

The  settlement  of  Georgia,  in  June  1732. —  Continued. 

Several  benevolent  gentlemen  in  Englard  suggested  a  plan 
of  conveying  all  the  indigent  subjects  of  Great  Britain  thither. 
To  a  project  springing  tiom  rnoiive-s  so  noble,  the  people  and 
the  government  extended  their  patronage.  In  November, 
1732,  one  hundred  emigrants  embarked  for  Georgia.  The 
next  year,  five  hundred  persons  arrived  at  that  place.  But  it 
was  soon  discovered,  that  these  people  had  become  poor  by 
their  idleness,  and  were  not  titted'to  fill  the  groves  of  Georgia. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  Ill 

The  trustees  therefore  offered  to  receive  such  as  had  become 
poor  by  unavoidable  misfortune,  and  grant  to  each  one  who 
should  repair  to  ihe  colony  fifiy  acres  of  land.  This  offer 
brought  more  than  four  hundred  persons  in'o  Georgia. 

In  1736,  John  Wesley,  a  celebrated  Methodist,  made  a  vi.-::t 
to  Georgia  for  the  purpose  of  preaching  to  the  colony.  Two 
years  after,  George  Whitefield,  another  celebrated  Methodist, 
arrived  in  the  colony  ;  but  both  created  more  enemies  thaa 
friends,  and  returned. 

In  1733.  a  disturbance  was  created  among  the  negroes  in 
South  Carolina.  A  number  of  them  assembled  at  Stono,  sur 
prised  and  killed  two  while  men  who  had  the  charge  of  a 
warehouse,  from  which  they  took  guns  and  ammunition.  They 
then  chose  a  captain,  and  wish  drums  proceeded  Southward, 
burning  every  house,  and  killing  all  the  whites  that  fell  in 
tiioir  way  ;  and  com.-eljed  all  the  negroes  to  join  them.  Go- 
\\  rnor  13;;!!,  who  was  returning  from  tiie  southward,  accidently 
mot  them,  hastened  out  cf  the  way,  and  spread  the  alarm. 
]S-3',vs  £oo!i  reached  Wiltown,  where  a  larje  congregation  were 
attending  divine  service.  The  men,  according  to  the  law, 
brought  their  arms  to  the  place  of  worship,  and  marched 
directly  in  quest  of  the  negroes.  While  in  a:>  open  field,  they 
were  dancing  with  frantic  exultation  at  their  late  success,  they 
'.vere  suddenly  attacked  by  the  whites  ;  a  number  were  kill- 
•';.!,  e<  me  fled,  and  the  remainder  taken.  They  who  had  been 
compelled  to  join  them,  were  pardoned  ;  but  all  the  leaders 
eufF'red  death.  About  twenty  whites  were  murdered. 

In  1744,  war  again  broke  out  between  England  and  France, 
Mid  the  co'o:'ies  were  involved.  Their  commerce  ami  fisheries 
suffered  great  injury  from  privateers  fifed  out  at  Louisburg, 
a  French  port  <;n  cape  Breton.  I's  situation  was  impoitant. 
Nearly  six  millions  of  dollars  had  been  expended  on  its  fortifi 
cations.*  It  was  of  great  importance  ihat  tiie  colonies  should 

*  The  harbor  of  Louisburg  lies  in  latitude  45  deg.  55  min. ;  its  en 
trance  is  about  40  yards  wale.  The  anchorage  is  uniformly  safe,  and 
ships  tnay  run  ashore  on  a  soft,  muddy  bottom.  The  depth  of  water  at 
the  entrance  is  about  nine  to  twelve  fathom.  The  harbor  lies  open 
to  the  southeast.  Upon  a  neck  of  land  upon  the  south  side  of  the 
har'rir>r,  v/a?  buiit  the  town,  two  miles  aud  a  quarter  in  circumference  ; 
fortified  in  every  accessible  part,  with  a  rampart  of  stone,  from  thirty 
to  sixty  feet  high,  and  a  dstch  ei;;h.t  feet  wide.  A  space  of  about  two 
hundred  yards  v,  as  lelt  without  a  rampart;  on  the  side  next  to  the  sea, 
it  v/as  enclosed  with  n  simple  dike,  and  a  line  of  pickets  ;  the  sea  was 
so  shallow  in  t:iis  place  that  it  made  only  a  narrow  channel,  inaccessi 
ble  from  its  numerous  reefs,  to  any  shipping  whatever.  The  side-fire 
from  the  bastions  secured  this  spot  from  attack.  There  were  six  bas- 
l;ons  and  three  batteries,  containing  eiabrazures  for  one  hundred  aud 


UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

destroy  or  take  possession  of  this  strong-  hold,  although  it  was* 
considered  impossible.  Having  exacted  of  the  general  court 
£ii  oath  of  seciecy,  the  governor,  in  January  1745,  communica 
ted  to  them  the  project.  Many  heard  it  with  amazement.  So 
strong  was  the  place,  and  so  weak  were  the  colonies,  that  the 
thoughts  of  attacking  it  seemed  rash  and  pit  --juiptuous.  The 
secret  was  disclosed  by  an  honest  member,  who  prayed  for 
divine  blessing  on  the  attempt,  if  it  should  be  made.  The 
people  were  instantly  struck  with  the  advantage  of  possessing 
the  place.  When  the  decision  'was  made  known,  a  petition, 
signed  by  a  large  number  of  merchants,  was  presented  to  the 
general  court,  praxing  them  to  comply  with  the  governor's  pro 
posals.  The  subject  was  again  discussed,  and  the  vote  in  favour 
of  the  expedition  was  only  one  majority." 

The  question  was  now  decided,  and  all  who  xvere  before 
averse  to  the  enterprise,  united  heartily  with  the  supporters,  to 
carry  it  into  r-xecutioe.  The  other  New  England  colonies 
agreed  to  furnish  ast-istu  ce,  and  a  boat  was  despatched  to  com 
modore  Warren  in  the  West-Indies,  to  invite  him  to  their  as 
sistance.  In  t'.vo  months,  an  army  of  more  than  four  thousand 
men  were  enlibtrd,  clothed,  victualled,  and  equipped  for  ser 
vice,  in  the  four  New  England  colonies,  which  did  not  contain 

forty-eight  (:•;•-. v,>n,  of  which  sixty -five  only  were  mounted, and  sixteen- 
mortars.  On  u.a  island  at  the  entrance  of  the  harbor  was  planted  a 
battery  of  thirty  cannon,  carrying  twenty-eight  pound  shot;  and  at 
the  bottom  of  the  harbor,  directly  opposite  to  the  entrance,  was  the 
r  royal  battery,  of  twenty  eight  cannon,  forty-two  pounders, 
and  tv/o  eighteen  pounders.  On  a  high  cliff  opposite  to  the  island 
battery,  stood  a  light-house;  and  within  this  point,  at  the  northeast 
part  of  the  harbor,  was  a  careening  wharf,  secure  from  all  winds,  and 
a  magazine  of  naval  stores. 

The  town  was  regularly  laid  out  in  squares  ;  the  streets  were  broad,, 
the  houses  mostly  of  wood,  and  some  of  stone.  On  the  west  side, 
near  the  ramprrt,  was  a  spacious  citadel,  and  a  large  parade;  on  the 
one  side  of  which  were  the  governor's  apartments  ;  under  the  rampart 
•were  casement  to  receive  the  women  and  children,  during  a  siege. 
The  entrance  of  the  town  on  the  land  side,  was  at  the  west  gate, 
over  a  draw  bridge,  near  to  which  was  a  circular  battery,  mounting 
sixteen  guns  of  twenty-four  pound  shot. 

Thes  v'orks  had  been  twenty-five  years  in  building,  and  had  cost 
the  croAva  of  France  not  less  than  thirty  millions  of  livres.  The  place 
was  so  strong  as  to  be  called  the  u  Dunkirk  of  America."  It  was  in 
peace  a  safe  retreat  for  the  ships  of  France,  bound  homeward  from  the 
East  or  West-Indies  ;  and  in  war  a  source  of  distress  to  the  northern 
English  colonies;  its  situation  being  extremely  favourable  for  priva 
teers  to  ruin  their  fishery,  and  intercept  their  coasting  and  foreign 
trade  ;  for  which  reason  the  reduction  of  it  was  as  desirable  to 
a«the  reduction  of  Carthage  was  to  the  Romans, 


tME  UNITED  STATES.  113 

four  hundred  thousand  inhabitants.  On  the  23d  of  March,  the 
despatch  boat  returned  from  the  West- Indies,  with  information 
that  commodore  Warren  declined  furnishing  any  aid,  without 
orders  from  England.  This  intelligence  was  kept  a  secret. 
About  the  19th  of  Apiil,  the  troops,  too  ether  with  those  from 
Connecticut  and  New  Hampshire,  arrived  safely  at  Canso. 
Commodore  Warren  had  but  just  despatched  his  answer,  when 
he  received  orders  to  repair  to  Boston  with  such  ship?  as  he 
could  spare,  and  concert  measures  with  governor  Shirley  for 
hi;:  majesty's  service  in  North  Arnenca.  He  sailed  immediately 
but  learning1  that  the  transports  had  sailed  for  Canso,  he  steer 
ed  directly  for  that  place.  He  added  much  to  the  naval 
strength.  Several  vessels  of  war,  which  had  been  sent  to 
cruise  before  Louisbnrg,  had  captured  several  French  ships, 
and  prevented  any  intelligence  of  the  expiditioo  from  reaching 
them.  Those  vessels  were  daily  within  sight  of  the  place, 
but  were  supposed  to  be  privateers,  and  caused  no  alarm. 
The  appearance  of  the  fleet  on  the  30th  of  April,  gave  the 
French  the  first  intimation  of  their  danger.  The  troops  im 
mediately  landed,  and  the  next  day,  four  hundied  marched 
around  the  hills,  approached  within  a  mile  of  the  grand  battery, 
setting  fire  to  all  the  houses  and  stores  on  the  way.  Many  of 
these  contained  tar  and  pitch,  which  produced  a  thick  smoke, 
that  completely  enveloped  the  invadors.  The  fears  of  the 
French  were  increased  by  their  uncertainty.  They  imagined 
all  the  army  was  coming  upon  them,  and  throwing  their  pow 
der  into  a  well,  destroyed  the  battery,  which  the  English  took 
without  loss. 

This    was   uncommon  good    fortune  ;   but    the   most  difficult 
labour  of  the   siege  remained    to    be    performed.     The  cannon 
were    to   be   drawn    nearly    two  miles    over  a  deep  morass,  in 
plain    view,    and    within    gun    shot    of  the    enemy's    principal 
fortification.     For  fourteen   nights  the  troops  with  straps  over 
their  shoulders,  and  sinking  to  their    knees  in  mud,  were  em 
ployed  in  the  service.     By  the  20th  of  May,   they  had  erected 
five  batteries,   one  of  which  mounted    five  forty-two  pounders, 
and  did  great  execution.     Meanwhile,  the  fleet  cruised   in  the 
harbor,  and  was  equally  successful.     It  captured  a  French  ship 
of  sixty-four  gnn«,  loaded  wiih  stores  for  the  garrison,  to  whom 
the  loss  was  distressing-.     English  ships  of  war  were  continual 
ly  arriving,  and  added  su^li  strength  10  the  fleet,   that  a  com 
bined   attack  upon   the  town    was  resolved  upon.     The  enemy 
discovering  this  design,   deemed  it  unwise  to  rim  the   hazard 
of  an  assault.     On    the  15th  of  June,   the  French   commander 
proposed  a  cessation  of  hostilities  ;  and  on  the  17th  capitulated. 
Intelligence  of  this  event  spread  like  lightning  through   the 
country.     The   French   fiagf  still   standing  upon  the  walls  of 
10* 


UNIVERSAL    HISTORY  OF 

Louisburg1,  which  decoyed  several  India  ships,  supposed'  to  be 
worth  six  hundred  thousand  pounds.  Well  might  the  citizens 
ofNevv  England  be  elated  with  these  glad  tidings.  Without 
even  a  suggestion  from  the  mother  country,  their  commerce 
and  fisheries  were  now  secure. 

France,  fired  with  resentment  at  her  lossv  made  extraordina 
ry  exertions  to  retrieve  it,  and  to  inflict  chastisement  on  New 
England.  The  next  summer,  she  despatched  to  the  American 
coast  a  powerful  fleet,  carrying  a  large  number  of  soldiers. 
The  news-of  its  approach  spread  terror  throughout  New  Eng 
land.  But  an  uncommon  succession  of  disasters,  which  the 
pious  of  that  time  attributed  to  the  special  interposition  of 
Providence,  deprived  it  of  all  power  to  inflict  injury.  After 
remaining  a  short  time  on  tlte  coast,  it  returned  to  France. 
Having  lost  two  admirals,  both  of  \vhom  it  was  supposed,  put 
an  end  to  their  lives  through  chagrin  ;  having  al^o  by  tempest 
been  reduced  .to  one  half  its  force,  and  effected  nothing.  In 
1748,  peace  was  concluded  ;  each  party  restored  all  its  priso 
ners  arid  conquests.  A  striking,  but  not  uncommon  illustra 
tion  of  the  folly  of  war.  Louisburg,  though  conquered  by  the 
colonies,  was  exchanged  by  Great  Britain  for  territories  which 
she  had  lost  in  Europe.  New  England  murmured  at  this  in 
justice,  but  what  avail  the  murmurs  of  the  weak? 

In  1750,  an  act  was  passed,  prohibiting  the  exportations  of 
hats,  out  of  the  plantations  of  America,  and  to  restrain  the 
number  of  apprentices  taken  by  hat  makers ;'  also  an  act  pro 
viding  a  penahy  of  one  hundred  pounds  for  the  erection  of 
any  mill  for  slitting  or  rolling  of  iron,  or  any  plating  forgo  to 
work  with  a  tilt  hammer. 


CHAPTER  V^ 

French  and  Itidian  War  which  commenced  in  1766,  and  contin 
ued  to  1763. 

The  war  which  ended  in  1748,  for  a  short  period  gave 
peace  to  America,  and  the  population  in  the  thirteen  colonies, 
amounted  to  one  million  and  one  hundred  thousand.  Scarcely 
had  the  colonies  time  to  reap  the  benefits  of  peace,  before  their 
prospect  was  clouded,  and  the  sound  of  war  filled  the  land  with 
general  anxiety  and  distress.  In  1756,  the  IHth  of  May,  Cr«jat 
Britain  declared  war  against  France. 


THE  UNITED   STATES.  115 

The  general  cause  leading-  to  this  war,  commonly  called  the 
French  and  Indian  war,  was  the  encroachment  of  the  French 
upon  Nova  Scotia,  which  had  been  ceded  to  Great  Britain  by 
the  12th  article  of  the  treaty  of  Utrecht.  About  this  time  a 
company  of  English  traders  established  trading  houses  on  the 
banks  of  the  Ohio. 

The  French  seized  some  of  the  traders,  and  conveyed  them 
prisoners  to  Canada.  A  tribe  of  Indians  in  Oiiio,  among  whom 
the  English  had  been  trading  resented  the  seizure,  and  by  wav 
of  retaliation,  took  several  French  traders, 'and  sent  them  to 
Pennsylvania..  The  Ohio  company  complained  to  Dinwiddie, 
governor  of  Virginia,  who  laid  the  subject  before  the  assembly, 
which  ordered  a  messenger  to  be  despatched  to  the  French 
Commmander  in  Ohio,  and  require  him  to  withdraw  his  troops. 
The  person  entrusted  with  the  service,  was  George  Washing 
ton. 

Our  beloved  Washington  happening  to  hear -it,  instantly  wait 
ed  on  his  excellency,  and  offered  his  services,  but  not  without 
beiag  terribly  afraid  lest  his  want  of  a  beard  should  go  against 
him.  However,  the  Governor  was  so  charmed  with  his  modes 
ty  and  manly  air,  that  he  never  asked  him  a  syllable  about  his 
age,  but  after  thanking  him  for  ••  a  mble  ynith-,"  and  insis'ing 
on  his  taking  a  glass  of  wine  with  him,  slipped  a  commission 
into  his  hand.  The  next  day,  accompanied  by  an  interpreter 
and  a  couple  of  servants,  he  set  out  on  his  expedition,  which 
was,  from  start  to  pole,  as  disagreeable  and  dangerous  as  any 
thing  Hercules  himself  could  have  wisheJ.  Soaking  rains, 
chilling  blasts,  roaring  floods,  pathless  woods,  and  mountains 
clad  in  sniws,  opposed  his  course,  but  opposed  in  vain.  The 
glorious  ambition  to  serve  his  country  imparted  an  animation  to 
his  nerves,  which  rendered  him  superior  to  all  difficulties. 

Returning  homewards,  he  wa^  waylaid  and  shot  at  by  a 
French  Indian,  and  though  the  copper-colored  rufiian  was  not 
15  steps  distant  when  he  fired  at  him,  yet  not  even  so  much  os 
the  sm^ll  of  lead  passed  on  the  riot  lies  of  our  young  hero.  On 
his  return  to  Virginia,  it  was  found  that  he  had  executed  his 
negotiations,  both  with  the  French  and  Indians,  with  such 
fidelity  and  judgment,  that  he  received  the  heartiest  thanks  of 
the  Governor  and  Council  for  the  very  important  services  he 
had  done  his  country. 

He  was  now  (:n  trie  20th  vear  of  his  age)  appointed  major 
and  adjutant  general  of  tne  Virginia  forces.  ISoon  after  this, 
the  Indians  continuing  the  encroachments,  orders  were  given 
by  the  English  government,  for  the  colonies  to  arm  and  unite 
in  one  confederacy-  Virginia  took  the  lead,  and  raised  a 
regiment  of  four  hundred  mea,  at  the  head  of  which  she  placed 
her  darling  Washington. 


116  UNIVERSAL    HISTORY  OF 

With  this  handful  of  brave  fellows,  Col.  Washington,  not  yet 
23  years  of  age,  boldly  pushed  out  into  the  Indian  cauntry,  and 
there  for  a  considerable  time,  Hannibal-like,  maintained  the  war 
against  three  times  the  number  of  French  and  Indians.  At 
the  Red-Stones  he  came  up  with  a  strong-  party  of  the  enemy, 
whom  he  engaged  and  effectualjy  defeated,  after  having  killed 
finll  taken  thirty  one  men.  From  his  prisoners  tie  obtained  un 
doubted  intelligence,  that  the  French  forces  on  the'  Ohio  con 
sisted  of  upwards  of  a  thousand  regulars  and  many  hundreds  of 
Indians.  But  notwithstanding  this  disheartening-  advice,  he 
still  pressed  on  undauntedly  against  the  enemy,  and  at  a  place 
called  Little  Meadows,  built  a  f  >rt,  which  lie  called  Fort  Ne 
cessity.  Here  he  waU?d,  hourly  and  anxiously  looking  for 
succours  from  New  York,  -and  Pennsylvania  ;  but  he  looked  in 
vain — nobody  came  to  his  assistance.  Not  long-  after  this  his 
small  force,  now  reduced  to  three  hundred  men,  were  attacked 
by  an  army  of  1100  French  and  Indians.  Never  did  the  true 
Virginian  valor  shine  more  gloriously  than  on  this  trying  oc 
casion. 

f*  To  see  three  hundred  young  fellows — commanded  by  a 
JFmoo.th-faced  boy — all  unaccustomed  to  the  terrors  of  war — far 
from  home,  and  from  all  hopes  of  help — shut  up  in  a  dreary 
wilderness,  and  surrounded  by  four  times  their  number  of  sav- 
nge  foes,  and  yet,  without  sign  of  fear,  without  thought  of  sur 
render,  preparing  for  mortal  combat.  Oh!  it  was  a  noble 
sight  ! — Scarcely  since  the  days  of  Leonidas  and  his  three  hun 
dred  deathless  Spartans,  had  the  sun  beheld  its  equal.  With 
hideous  whoops  and  yells  the  enemy  came  on  like  a  host  of  ti 
gers.  The  woods,  and  rocks,  and  tall  tree  tops  (as  the  Indians 
climbing  to  the  tops  of  the  trees,  poured  down  their  bullets  in 
to  the  fort  )  were  in  one  continued  blaze  and  crash  of  fire-arms. 
Nor  were  our  young  warriors  idle,  but,  animated  by  their  gal 
lant  chief,  plied  their  rifles  with  such  spirit,  that  their  little  fort 
resembled  a  volcano  in  full  blast,  roaring  and.  discharging  thick 
sheets  of  liquid  fire  and  of  leaden  deaths  among  their  Iocs.  For 
three  glorious  hours,  Salamander  like,  enveloped  in  smoke  and 
flame,  they  sustained  the  attack  of  the  enemy's  whole  force,  and 
laid  two  hundred  of  them  dead  on  the  spot  ! — Discouraged  by 
puch  desperate  resistance,  the  French  general,  the  Count  d« 
Villers  sent  in  a  firig  to  Washington,  extolling  his  gallantly  to 
the  skies,  and  offering  him  the  most  honorable  terms.  It  wa« 
stipulated  that  Col.  Washington  and  bis  little  baud  of  heroes, 
should  march  away  with  all  the  honors  of  war,  and  carry  with 
them  their  military  stores  and  baggage. 

The  conduct  of  the  French  against  the  Ohio  company,  soon 
reached  England.  The  English  were  convinced,  that  their 
elaims  to  the  country  through  which  that  river  flows  must  be 

- 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  117 

relinquished,  or  maintained  hy  the  sword.  They  soon  .chose 
the  latter,  and  early  in  the  spring  -jf  1755,  they  despatched  gen 
eral  Braddock  with  a  respectable  force  to  America,  to  expel 
the  French,  and  keep  posies-ion  of  the  territory.  In  April, 
Braddock  met  tire  Governors  of  several  provinces  to  confer  up* 
on  the  plan  of  the  ensuing  campaign.  Three  expeditions  were 
resolved  upon  ;  one  against.  Dn  Q>ies'»e,  to  be  commanded  by 
General  Bradu'ock  :  one  agaius!  f.»rfs  Niagara  and  Frontinac  ; 
to  be  commanded  Governor  Shirley  ;  an  1  one  against  Crown 
Point,  by  General  Johnson.  This  last  expedition  was  to  be 
executed  by  troops  raised  in  New  England  and  New  York. 

In  th<?  Spring  of  1755,  Washington,  while  busied  in  the  high 
est  military  operation?,  was  summoned  to  aitend  Gen.  Brad- 
dock  who  in  the  month  of  February,  arrived  at  Alexandria, 
with  two  thousand  British  troops.  The  assembly  of  Virginia 
appointed  eight  hundred  pfoviiiciala  to  join  him.  Theohject  of 
this  urmy  was  to  march  through  the  country,  by  the  way  of 
Will's  Creek,  to  fort  Da  Qnesne  (now  Pittsburgh,  or  Fort 
Pitt.)  As  no  person  was  so  well  acquainted,  with  the  frontier 
country  as  Washington,  and  none  stood  so  high  .  in  miLlary 
fame,  it  was  thought  he  woull  be  infinitely  serviceable  togpenc- 
ral  Braddock.  At  the  request  of  the  Governor  and  Council  he 
cheerfully  quitted  his  own  command,  to  act  as  volunteer  aid  de 
camp  to  that  very  imprudent  and  unfortunate  general. — The 
army  yearly  three  thousand  strong,  marched  from  Alexandria  and 
proceeded  unmolested  within  a  few  inilfs  of  Fort  Pitt.  On 
the  morning  of  the  day  in  which  th^y  expc-crod  to  arrive,  the 
provincial  scouts  discovered  a  large  parly  of  French  and  In 
dians  lying  in  ambush.  Washington  with  bis  usual  modesty, 
observed  to  Gen.  Braddock  what  port  of  enemy  ho  had  now  to 
deal  with.  An  enemy  who  would  not,  like  the  Europeans, 
come  forward  to  a  fair"  content  in  the  field,  but,  concealed  be 
hind  rocks  and  trees  carry  on  a  deadly  warfare  with  their  ri 
fles.  He  concluded  v  ith  bilging  that  Gen.  BradJock  would 
grant  him  the  honor  to  U.-t  him  place  himself  at  the  head  of  the 
Virginia  riflemen,  and  fight  them  in  their  own  way. — And  it  / 
-was  generally  thought  that  our  young  hero  and  his  eight  him-  ; 
dred  hearts  of  hickory,  would  \ery  easily  have-  beaten  them  , 
too,  for  they  were  not  superior  to  the  force,  which,  (with  only  / 
three  hundred)  he  had  handled  so  roughly  a  twelve  month  be 
fore.  But  Geri.  Braddock,  who  had  all  along  treated  the 
American  officers  and  soldiers  with  infinite  contempt,  instead 
of  following  this  truly  salutary  advice,  swelled  and  reddened 
with  most  unmanly  rage. — tk  High  times,  by  G — d  "  he  ex 
claimed,  strutting  to  and  fro  with  arms  a  kimbo, "  High  times  ! 
when  a  young  buckskin  can  teach  a  British  general  how  to  fight !" 
Washington  withdrew,  biting  his  lips  with  grief  and  ind'gna- 


118  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

tion,  to  think  what  numbers  of  bravo  follows  would  draw  short 
breath  that  day,  through  the  pride  and  obstinacy  of  one  epau- 
lettrd  fool.  The  troops  \vero  ordered  [ufortn  and  advance  in 
columns  through  the  woods  !  !  ! — In  a  hliie  time  the  ruin  which 
Washington  had  predicted  en.-urnl.  This  poor  devoted  army, 
p«phed  on  by  their  mad-cap  genera],  fell  into  the  fatal  snare 
which  \vns  Hd  for  them.  A!!  at  once  a  thousand  rifles  began 
{!:<>  vork  ofdoftth.  The  pToun.d  was  instantly  covered  with  the 
r'\  in;>-  and  the  df-ad.  The  British  troops,  thus  slaughtered  by 
hundreds,  and  by  an  enemy  whom  tho_\  could  not  see,  were 
thrown  irreenverabty  into  panic  and  confusion,  and  in  a  few 
minnUs  their  haughty  general  with  1200  of  his  brave  but  un 
fortunate  countrymen,  bit  the  ground.  Poor  Braddo»k  closed 
the  iraredy  with  great  decency,  lie  was  mortally  wounded  in 
the  beginning  <'f  the  action,  and  Washington  had  him  placed  in 
a  cart  rendy  for  retreat..  Close  on  t!je  left,  where  the  weight 
of  the  French  and  Indian  fl.'e  principally  fell,  Washington  and 
his  Virginia  rith:rsen,  dressed  in  blue,  sustained  t  lie  shock.  At 
every  discharge  of  their  rifles  thr  wounded  general  cried  out, 
11  O  m>/  brrtvG  Virginia  hfitt.v  !  tT^ou'd  to  God  J'tould  live  to  re- 
v-nrfl  you  for  such-gallantry.'*  Biu  he  died.  Washington  bu 
ried  him  in  the  road,  and  to  save  him  from  discovery  and  the 
BCaJpng  knife,  ordf-red  the  uag-ponson  their  retreat  to  drive 
over  his  grave  !  —  O  Gud  !  what  is  man?  Even  a  thing  of 
nought  !  ! 

Amidst  all  this  fearful  consternation  and  carnage,  amidst  all 
the  uproars  and  horrors  of  a  rout,  rendered  still  more  dreadful 
fey  the  groans  of  tjbe  dying, -the  gCTenms  of  the  wounded,  the 
pjr-jcing  shrinks  of  the  women,  snd  the  veils  of  the  furious  as»- 
? aiiitint;  savages  WashipgtojQj  calm  and  self'-coUi-c'ed,  rallied  his 
fmbf'.'l  rificmen,  led  them  on  to  the  charge,  k  lied  numbers  of 
the  enemy  who  were  rushing  on  with  tomahawks,  checked  their 
pursuit,  and  brought  off.  the  shattered  remains  of  the  British 
ai  my. 

With  respect  to  our  beloved  Washington,  we  cannot  but  men 
tion  here  two  very  extraordinary  speeches  that  were  uttered 
about  him  at  this  time,  and  which,  as  things  have  turned  out, 
look  a  good  deal  like  prophecies.  A  famous  Indian  warrior 
who  assisted  in  the  defeat  of  Braddock,  was  often  heard  to 
swear  that  Washington  vas  ru.-t  lorn  to  be  killed  by  a  bullet, 
4uybr."  continued  lie,  li  /  had  sewnh-en  fair  fires  at  Jam  with 
trty  rifle,  and,  aftir  al',  I  could  not  bring  him  to  the  grownd." — 
And,  indeed,  w'.-cever  considers  that  a  good  rifle,  levelled  by 
a  proper  tr>ark?n»an,  harily  ever  misses  its  aim,  will  readily, 
enough  conc'iule  with  1 1: is  unlettered  savage,  that  some  in 
visible  hand  must  have  turned  aside  his  bullets. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  119 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Davies,  in  a  sermon  occasioned  by  Gerie'ral 
Braddock's  defeat,  lias  these  remarkable  words — l>  I  beg-  leave 
to  point  the  attention  of  Vie  public  to  that  heroic  youth.  Colonel 
George  Wcuhington,  whom  I  cannot  but  hope  providence  h:is 
preserved  for  some  ?real  service  to  this  country. 

Governor  Shirley  proceeded  to  Oswe^o,  on  lake  Ontario. 
His  army  was  poorly  supplied  with  provisions,  and  the  rainy 
season  approaching,  lie  abandoned  the  expedition,  and  retain 
ed  to  Albanv.  Tiiearrny  unJer  General  Johnson,  arrived  at 
the  south  end  of  lake  George,  the  hitler  part  of  August,  when 
he  received  information  thai  two  thousand  of  the  enemy  com 
manded  by  Baron  Dieskau,  were  marching  against  Fort  Ed- 
warJ.  Accordingly,  Colonel  Williams  was  detuched  to  in 
tercept  him. 

Coljuei  \Vi;!h;r,<'  party,  which  left  the  camp  between  eight 
and  nine  o'clock  in  tne  morning  of  Sept.  8th,  1755,  very  unex 
pectedly  foil  in  with  the  army  of  baron  Difskau  ;  the  two  ar 
mies  met  in  the  road,  front  to  front;  the  Indians  of  D.esktiu's 
army  were  in  ambuscade,  upon  both  declivities  of  the  moun 
tains,  and  ?hns  it  was  a  complete  surprise,  lor  Col.  Williams 
had  unhappily  neglected  to  place  any  scouts  upon  his  winjs. 
A  bloody  battle  ensued,  and  a  deadly  fire  was  ponred  in  upon 
i\ .inks. — Col.  Williams,  endeavouring  to  lead  his  men 
against  the  unseen  enemy,  was  instantly  shot1  through  tue  head, 
and  be  and  hundreds  of  his  party,  iuclu.iing  old  Hendrick.  the 
chief  of  the  Mohawks,  and  forty  Indians,  were  slain.  The 
remainder  of  the  patty,  under  the  command  of  Col.  Whiting, 
retreated  into  the  camp.  They  came  running  in,  in  the  u  most 
confusion  and  consternation,  and  peihaps  owed  their  safety,  in 
a  great  measure,  to  anotner  party,  which,  ivhen  the  firing  was 
heard,  and  perceived  to  be  growing  louder  and  nearer,  was  sent 
out  to  succor  them. 

Nor  did  this  bailie  terminate  the  fighting  Of  this  blood}  day. 
The  remains  of  Dieskan's  army  retreated  about  four  miles,  to 
the  ground  where  colonel  Wi^iams  h.-ul  been  defeated  in  the 
morninrr, — the  rear  of  the  army' were  there  siuiog  upon  Ibd 
groundThad  opened  their  knapsacks,  and  were  refreshing  them 
selves,  when  capt.  McGinnies,  who  with  two  hundred  men,  \\\\ 
been  despatched  from  fort  Ed  war  1,  to  succor  the  main  bodv, 
came  up  with  this  portion  of  the  French  army,  tnus  sitting  in 
security,  and  attacked  and  totally  defeated  them,  althou.. 
was  himself  mortally  wounded.  Thus:  were  three  buttle;* 
fought  in  one  day,  and  almost  upon  the  same  ground.  This 
ground  I  went  over.  The  neighboring  mountain,  in  which 
the  French  so  suddenly  un.de  their  appearance,  is  to  this  day, 
called  French  Mountain  ;  and  this  name,  with  the  tradition  of 
the  fact,  will  be  eeut  d.jvvn  to  the  latest  posterity.  I  waa 


120  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

shown  a  rock  by  the  road,  at  which  a  considerable  slaughter 
took  place.  It  was  on  the  east  side  of  the  road  near  where 
col.  Williams  fell,  and  1  am  informed  is,  to  this  day,  called, 
Williams'  Rock. 

Just  by  the  present  road,  and  in  the  midst  of  these  battle 
grounds,  is  a  circular  pond,  shaped  exactly  like  a  bowl  ;  it.  may 
be  two  hundred  feet  in  diameter,  and  was  when  I  saw  it,  full 
of  water,  and  covered  with  the  pond  lily.  Alas!  this  pond, 
DOW  so  peaceful;,  was  the  common  sepulchre  of  the  brave;  the 
dead  bodies  of  most  of  those  who  v\ere  s;ain  on  this  eventful 
day,  were  thrown,  in  undistinguished  confusion  into  this  pond  ; 
from  that  time  to  the  present,  it  has  been  called  the  Bloody- 
Pond,  and  there  is  not  a  child  in  this  region,  but  will  point  you 
(o  the  French  Mountain  and  the  Bloody  Pond. — I  stood  with 
dread  upon  its  brink,  and  threw  a  stone  inio  the  unconscious 
waters.  After  these  events,  a  tegular  fort  was  constructed  at 
the  head  of  the  lake,  and  called  fort  William  Henry. 

Early  in  the  vspring,  1756,  the  enemy,  invited  by  the  success 
of  the  preceding-  year,  made  another  irruption  into  the  in 
habited  country,  and  did  great  mischief.  The  number  of  troops 
on  the  regular  establishment  was  totally  insufficient  for  the 
protection  of  the  fi  on  tier.  The  Indian*-,  divided  into  srn^ll 
parties,  concealed  themselves  wiih  so  much  dexterity^as  sel 
dom  to  be  perceived  until  the  blow  wa--  struck.  These  murder* 
were  frequently  committed  in  the  very  neighbourhood  of  the 
forts,  and  the  detachments  which  were  employed  in  scouring 
the  country  were  generally  eluded  or  attacked  to  advantage. 
In  one  of  the<=e  skirmishes  in  the  neighbourhood  of  a  stockade, 
the  Americans  were  totally  routed,  and  captain  Mercer  killed.. 

The  smaller  foils  were  very  frequently  assaulted  and  attack 
ed.  The  people  either  abandoned  the  country,  or  attempted 
to  secure  themselves  in  small  stockades,  where  they  were  in 
great  distress  for  provisiows,  arms,  and  ammunition.  Lord 
Loudon  arrived  in  America,  in  July  1756,  as  commander  in 
chief.  He  was  clothed  with  t^e  highest  civil  authority,  having 
been  appointed  governor  if 'the  colony.  A  complimentary 
address  from  the  regiment,  stating  their  pleasure  at  his  arrival 
and  appointment,  and  the  readiness  with  which  they  would 
execute  his  commands,  was  presented  to  him  :  also  a  statement 
of  the  distress  of  the  colony,  and  a  particular  description  of 
the  situation  of  the  military  points. 

An  army  was  raised  of  about  twelve  thousand  men,  which 
was  better  prepared  for  tl.e  field  than  any  army  that  had  been 
assembled  in  America.  But  the  change  of  commanders  de 
layed  the  operations  of  the  English  army.  The  French  were 
active,  and  on  the  12th  of  July,  jrercral  Abcrcrombie  received 
intelligence  that  they  meditated  au  attack  upon  Oswego,  a 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  121 

post  of  the   ;,  tarrce.     General    Webb  was   ordered 

to  prepare  to  muich  uith  a  regiment  to  support  the  defence  of 
that  place,  but  was  detain*,  d  until  the  12th  of  August.  Before 
he  had  proceeded  far  he  learned  it  was  too  late. 

By  the  loss  of  Oswego,  all  the  western  country  was -laid 
open  to  their  rava-irs.  There  was  r«:asrn  to  fear  that  the 
frontier  posts  would  be  swept  away,  one  alter  another,  and  that 
all  the  preparations  which  had  been  made  for  an  early  attack 
on  the  enemy,  would  be  lost  with  them.  Besides,  the  enemy 
would  have  an-  ;  '  .  md  strengthen  their  posfs, 

and  to  render  the  reduction  uf  them  much  more  hazardous  and 
difficult. 

The  colonies  were  obliged  to  submit,  and  lord  London  sailed 
from  New-York  for  Halifax,  with  six  thousand  land  ibices, 
and  there  made  a  junction  with  Holbourn  and  Hopson.  Here 
was  now  an  army  of  twelve  thousand  men,  exclusive  of  offi 
cers,  aided  by  a  powerful  fleet;  but  they  were  so  dilatory  in 
their  measures  ihat,  before  they  were  ready  to  sail,  the  Brest 
fleet,  with  seventeen  sail  of  the  line,  besides  frigates  and  trans 
ports,  arrived  at  Louisburg.  The  garrison  was  so  reinforced 
as  to  amount  to  nine  thousand  men.  On  the  reception  of  this 
intelligence,  it  was  judged  inexpedient  to  proceed,  and  the 
expedition  was  given  up. 

Had  the  earl  of  Loudon  been  a  man  of  enterprise,  had  he 
wished  to  •  distinguish  himself  in  his  majesty's  service,  or  to 
have  rendered  himself  popular  in  the  colonies,  he  might  hare 
conducted  this  powerful  army  to  Ticonderoga,  and  carried  all 
before  him,  in  tli.it  quarter.  At  least,  he  might  have  sent  on 
large  detachments  for  the  defence  of  the  frontiers.  With  his 
Prussian  majesty,  an  Amherst,  or  a  Wolfe,  these  would  have 
been  but  natural  and  common  achievements.  But  he  returned 
leisurely  to  New-York,  and  effected  nothing. 

The  British  generals,  in  America,  did  more,  in  two  year?, 
by  the  pusillanimity,  weakness  and  inconsistency  of  their 
councils,  to  injure  the  colonies,  than  the  French  could  have 
done  with  all  their  force.  The  provincials  would,  probably, 
have  advanced  to  Crown  Point  the  last  year,  and  made  them 
selves  masters  of  the  country  south  of  lake  Champlain.  They 
would  undoubtedly  have  kept  their  own  posts  and  prevented 
the  evils  which  followed.  The  British  generals  and  officers 
not  only  lost  Oswego,  but  they  destroyed  the  fortifications  at 
the  great  carrying  place;  and  filled  Wood  Creek  with  log's 
and  trees.  They  cut  off  all  communication  between  the  colo 
nies  and  the  five  nations,  the  only  body  of  Indians  which  pre 
served  the  appearance  of  friendship  to  them.  They  abandoned 
their  whole  country  to  the  mercy  of  the  enemy.  Nothing 
11 


122  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

could  be  done  to  prevent  (heir  collecting  the  Indians,  from  all 
quarters,  to  act  against  the  colonies. 

Monsieur  IMon'calm,  did  not  neglect  (o  improve  the  advanta 
ges  ho  had  gained,  and  which  the  conduct  of  the  British  gene 
rate  afforded  him.  Finding  that  the  troops  were  drawn  off  io 
Halifax,  he  at  once  determined  on  the  siege  of  fort  William 
Henry,  and  the  destruction  of  the  vessels,  boats,  and  batteaux, 
at  the  south  landing  of  lake  George.  Bodies  of  Indians,  with 
Ins  xvholc  force,  were  collected  for  this  purpose. 

Colonf  I  Monroe,  who  commanded  at  fort  William  Henry, 
having  intelligence  that  an  advanced  party  of  the  enemy  lay 
at  Ticonderoga,  detached  colonel  Parker  with  four  hundred 
men  to  surprise  them.  Having  landed  at  ni^ht,  not  far  distant 
from  the  enemy,  he  sent  three  boats  to  reconnoitre,  directing 
them  where  to  meet  him  in  a  general  rendezvous.  The  enemy, 
waylaying  and  intercepting  the  boats,  obtained  a  pefi  ct  know 
ledge  of  the  colonel's  designs,  and  concerted  measures  to  decoy 
him  into  their  hands.  They  laid  an  smbu^h  behind  the  point 
where  they  knew  he  designed  to  land,  and  having-  been  rein 
forced  to  nearly  double  his  numbers,  they  sent  three  boats  to 
llio  place  appointed  for  the  general  rendezvous.  The  colonel 
mistaking-  them  for  b;s  own  boats,  eagerly  put  to  shore,  and 
was  instantiy  surrounded  by  the  enemy.  They  attacked  him 
on  all  sides  with  such  incessant  violence,  that  seventy  privates 
and  two  officers  only  made  their  escape. 

Elated  with  this  success.  Monsieur  Mnntcalm  hastened  to 
the  seige  of  fort  William  Henry.  Havr  ir  drawn  together  all 
his  forces  from  Crown  Point,  Ticonderoga,  and  the  adjacent 
posts,  with  a  greater  number  of  Indians  than  the  French  had 
ever  employed  on  any  oihcr  occasion,  he  passed  the  lake  and 
regularly  invested  the  foil.  The  whole  army  consisted  of 
nearly  eight  thousand  men.  The  garrison  consisted  of  about 
three  thousand,  snd  the  fortifications  were  said  to  be  good. 
At  fort  Edward,  scarcely  foiii'oen  miles  distant,  lay  general 
Webb,  with  four  thousand  troops.  The  regular  troops  at  the 
two  posts,  wero  probably  more  than  rqurl  to  the  regular  force 
of  the  enemy.  A  considerable  proportion  of  their  army  con 
sisted  of  Canadians  aid  Indians.  Yet.  in  about  six  da\s,  was 
this  important  post  delivered  up  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy. 
All  the  vessels,  boats,  and  i-aUeanx,  which,  at  so  much  ex 
pense  and  labor,  had  been  for  two  years  preparing,  fell  into  the 
power  of  the  enemy.  Though  general  Webb  had  timely  notice 
of  the  appror.ch  of  the  enemy,  >et  he  neve*  sent  to  alarm  the 
country,  and  bring  on  the  militia.  He  never  reinforced  tho 
garrison,  nor  made  a  single  motion  for  its  Y<  lief.  So  far  was 
he  from  this,  that  he  sent  a  letter  to  colonel  Monroe,  who  com> 
manded  the  fort,  advising  him  to  give  it  up  to  the  enemy. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  123 

Monfcalm  intercepted  the  letter,  and  sent  it  into  the  fort  to  the 
colonel.  He  had  acted  the  part  of  a  soldier  and  made  a  brave 
defence  ;  but  having1  burst  a  number  of  his  cannon,  expended 
a  considerable  part  of  his  ammunition,  and  peicciving1  that  he 
was  to  have  no  relief  from  general  Webb,  he  capitulated  on 
terms  hcnorable  for  himself  and  the  garrison.  It  was,  to 
march  out  with  arms,  baggage,  and  one  piece  of  cannon,  in 
honor  to  colcm  1  Monroe,  for  the  brave  defence  he  had  made. 
The  troops  were  not  to  serve  against  the  most  Christian  king 
under  eighteen  months,  unless  exchanged  for  an  equal  number 
of  French  prisoners.  The  French  and  Indians  paid  no  regard 
to  the  f-.rticles  of  capitulation,  but  falling  on  the  English, 
stripped  them  of  ilieir  baggage  and  few  remaining  effects  ;  and 
the  Indians,  in  the  English  service,  .were  dragged  from  the 
ranks,  tomahawked  and  scalped.  Men  and  women  had  their 
throats  cut,  their  bodies  ripped  open,  and  their  bowels,  with 
insult,  thrown  in  their  faces.  Infants  and  children  were  bar 
barously  taken  by  tho  heels,  and  their  brains  dashed  out  against 
stones  and  trce^.  The  Indians  pursued  the  English  nearly 
i;a!f  the  way  to  fort  Edward,  where  the  greatest  number  of 
taem  arrived  in  a  most  forlorn  condition.  It  seems  astonishing, 
that  between  two  and  three  thousand  troops,  with  arms  in  their 
hands,  should,  contrary  to  the  most  express  stipulations,  suffer 
these  intolerable  insults. 

When  it  was  too  late,  general  Webb  alarmed  tho  country, 
and  put  the  colonies  to  great  expense  in  sending  on  large  de 
tachments  of  the  militia  for  the  defence  of  the  northern  fron 
tier.  The  sudden  capture  of  the  fort,  the  massacre  made  by 
the  enemj's  Indians,  and  suspicions  of  general  Webb's  trea 
chery,  and  an  apprehension  that  general  Montcalm  would 
force  his  way  to  Albany,  put  the  country  into  a  state  of  great 
alarm  and  consternation.  People  were  never  more  alarmed 
during  the  war.  At  the  same  time,  there  was  never  a  more 
general  and  manly  exertion.  Connecticut  detached  and  seat 
on,  in  a  few  days,  about  five  thousand  men.  She  had  raised 
and  sent  into  the  field,  fourteen  hundred  before,  which  wat 
more  tiian  her  proportion.  Large  reinforcements  were  inarch 
ed  on  to  Albany  and  fort  Edward  from  New-York,  and  the 
other  colonies.  General  Webb,  notwithstanding  the  great 
numbers  of  me,n  with  which  he  was  reinforced,  did  not  make 
any  effectual  piovision  for  the  defence  of  the  frontier  settle 
ments.  No  sooner  was  one  expedition  finished  by  the  enemy, 
than  another  was  undertaken.  Soon  after  the  reduction  of 
tori  William  Henry,  the  enemy,  with  fire  and  sword,  laid  vaste 
the  fine  settlements  at  trie  German  flats,  and  on  the  Mohawk 
river. 


124  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

On  the  American  station  th<>ro  wore  nrruly  twenty  thousand 
regular  troops,  and  a  large  number  of  provincials  in  service  ; 
and  yet  one  fortress  and  set  I  lenient  after  another  were  swept. 
away;  and  every  where  the  enemy  ri'i'ed  ;u;d  triumphed  wild 
impunity.  Tiio  army  spent  the  remuin.'ler  of  the  campaign  in 
inactivity.  The  provincials,  as  i  he  :-<.•  ,i-on  for  winter  quarters 
approached,  returned  to  their  respective  colonies.  The  regu 
lar  troops  were  stationed  at  Albany  and  iurt  Edw<ird.  Thus 
ended  (he  inglorious  campaign  of  17.17. 

By  this  time,  under  the  repeated  losses  th^y  had  sustained, 
tlie  colonies  had  very  much  lost  their  confidence  i'>  the  nritish 
commanders  in  Aineriea.  Tluy  for  two  ynrw  had  wit;, 
their  dilatory  mea-ures,  their  inconsistency",  want  of  foresight 
and  a  spirit  of  enterprise,  and  h;ul  such  bitter-  experience  of 
the  consequences,  that  they  considered  them  as  utterly  dis 
qualified  for  the  important  command  which  (hey  held.  To 
their  incapacity  and  pusillanimity  wholly,  did  they  impute  the 
loss  of  Oswego,  fort  William  Henry,  and  their  other  losses  on 
the  frontiers. 

Not  with  stan  ding  all  the  reinforcements  which  France  had 
sent  to  Canada,  they,  every  campaign,  had  a  force  much  supe 
rior  to  the  enemy.  Had  they  IK-  ri  men  of  military  <_ 
skill  and  enterprise,  instead  of  the  losses  they  sustained,  they 
might  have  led  on  their  troops  to  conquest  and  glory.  Had 
the  colonies  been  left  to  them.-elves,  they  would  probably  have 
done  better.  The  fir.'t  year  of  the  war,  when  left  to  ihem- 
eelves,  their  achievements  were  honorable  and  useful  to  the 
nation:  but  now  they  had  sustained  two  years  of  great  ex 
pense,  which  had  been  worte  than  lost.  Indeed,  such  were 
the  ministry,  and  (.he  men  whom  they  employed,  that  misfor 
tune  and  disaster  attended  them  in  almost  every  quarter  of  the 
globe.*  A  British  historian  observes,  with  respect  to  this  third 
campaign  in  America,  "  That  it  ended  to  the  eternal  disgrace 
of  those  who  then  commanded  the  armies,  and  directed  the 
councils  of  Great  Britain." 

By  this  time  the  disputes  relative  to  the  Ohio,  Crown  Point, 
and  territory  in  America,  had  involved  a  great  part  of  Eu 
rope  in  the  flames  of  war.  It  had  kindled  in  both  the  Indies, 
and  extended  its  destructive  nifinence  beyond  the  Ganges. 
The  disappointments  and  lo.-s<;.s  of  the  Uritish  nation  for  a  «uc- 
ces.-iiori  of  years,  and  its  present  exigences,  absolutely  deman 
ded  a  change  of  men  and  measures.  Men  of  capacity  and  en 
terprise  were  necessary  to  retrieve  its  honor,  and  prevent  its 

*  There  was  one  exception  :  admiral  Watson  and  colonel  Clive 
acted  with  great  magnanimity  and  success  upon  the  Ganges,  in  the 
East-ladies. 


THE   UNITED  STATES. 

rain.  By  a  most  happy  turn  in  providence,  those  incomparable 
men,  Mr.  Pitt,  Mr.  Leg,  and  iheir  friend?,  had  been  chosen  and 
established  in  the  ministry,  and  had  time  to  concert  their  tneas- 

ind  choose  the  meu  to  carry  them  into  execution.  Now 
therefore,  every  thing  relative  to  the  nation,  in  Europe  and 
America,  took  a  new  and  surprising  torn.  Now  men  were 
brought  forward,  upon  whose  fidelity,  skill,  and  spirit  of  enter 
prise,  confidence  might  be  place*1. 

Notwithstanding  the  disappointments  and  losses  of  th«  past 
years,  they  determined  on  the  reduction  of  Louieburg,  with  a 
view  of  cutting  off  the  communication  between  France  and 
Canada,  olYestroyinir  the  French  fishery,  and  of  securing  the 
trade  and  fisheries  rf  Great  Britain,  and  her  colonies  in  Amer 
ica.  At  the  same  time,  to  gratify  the  colonies,  and  to  draw 
forth  iheir  whole  strength  into  exertion,  they  also  determined 
on  expeditions  a  _•  '.n  Point  and  fort  Du  Quesne. 

.at  ions  of  his  majesty's  des-i^n?,  and  of  hU  expectations 
from  the  colonies,  were,  at  an  earl?  period,  given  to  them  by 
letters  from  the  ri^ht  honorable  Mr.  Pilt.  These  were  writ 
ten  in  a  s'yle  which  animated  their  courage,  and  drew  forth 
liitir  most  spirited  exertions.  The  people  of  Connecticut,  in 
particular,  exerted  themselves  in  an  extraordinary  manner. 
A  special  assembly  was  convened  on  the  8th  of  March,  at 

ilaven,  when  the  right  honorable  Mr.  Pitt's  letter  was 
communicated  to  the  legislature,  importing,  that  his  majesty 
had  nothing  m  ire  at  heart  than  to  repair  the  losses  and  disap 
pointments  of  the  last  inactive  and  unhappy  campaign,  and  by 
the  mo.-t  vigorous  and  extensive  efforts,  to  avert,  by  the  bles 
sings  of  God  ur>on  his  arm*,  the  dangers  impending  over  North 
America ;  and  not  doubting  but  his  faithful  and  brave  subjects 
here  would  cheerfully  co-operate  with  and  second,  to  the  utmost, 
the  large  expense  and  extraordinary  --ipplied  by  bis 

kingdom,  for  thf*ir  preservation  and  defence  :  And  that  his  ma 
jesty,  judging  that  this  c-'lony.  together  with  Massachusetts 
Bay,  New  Hampshire,  Rhode  Island,  New  York  and  New 
Jersey.  wer«  able  to  furnish  twenty  thousand  men,  to  join  a 
body  of  the  king's  fore?.*  for  invading  Canada,  and  carrying  the 
war  into  the  heart  of  the  enemy's  possessions  ;  and  thap.  it  waa 
bis  majesty's  pleasure,  »:,*•.  with  all  possible  despatch,  there  be 
raised  as  large  a  body  of  men  as  the  number  of  inhabitant* 
would  alietr.  to  begin  the  operations  of  the  campaign,  as  soon 
as  practicable.  And  that  no  encouragement  might  be  wanting 
to  so  great  and  salutary  an  attempt,  that  strong  recommenda 
tions  vrould  be  made  to  parliament,  to  graut  compensation  for 
the  expenses  «f  paid  provinces,  according  as  their  aciirt  vigor 
au«Vgtr«nuous  efibrs  should  appear  justly  to  merit. 
11* 


126  UNIVERSAL  HISTOYR  OF 

The  legislature  resolved,  That,  notwithstanding  this  colony, 
when  acting  with  the  several  provinces  aforesaid,  in  the  three 
several  expeditions  undertaken  the  preceding  years,  against 
Crown  Point,  hath  raised  a  much  greater  number  of  men  than 
itsjust  proportion,  in  comparison  with  what  they  then  raised, 
by  means  of  which  the  number  of  men  is  greatly  diminished 
and  its  strength  much  exhausted,  yet  that  nothing  be  wanting, 
on  the  part  of  this  colony,  to  promote  the  great  and  good  de 
sign  proposed  by  his  majesty,  and  relying  on  his  royal  encour 
agement,  five  thousand  good  and  effective  men,  including  offi 
cers,  shall  be  raised  wiihin  this  colony,  as  soon  as  may  be,  for 
the  service  aforesaid.  It  was  resolved  at  the  same  time,  that 
the  assembly  is  sensible,  that  it  is  really  more  than  the  .num 
ber  ofmen  this  colony  can  allow,  without  great  difficulty  ;  and 
much  exceeds  this  colony's  proportion,  even  of  twenty  thousand 
men,  when  compared  with  the  other  provinces. 

It  was  resolved  that  the  said  five  thousand  men  should  he 
formed  into  four  regiments,  consisting  of  twelve  companies 
in  each  regiment.  That  there  should  be  one  colonel,  one  lieu 
tenant  colonel,  one  major  and  one  chaplain  to  a  regiment.  The 
honorable  Phinehas  Lyman,  Esq.  who  had  a  general's  command 
in  1755,  Nathan  Whiting.  Esq.'Eliphalet  Dyar,  Esq.  and  John 
Read,  Esq.  were  appointed  colonels,  to  command  the  respec 
tive  regiments.*  The  Rev.  Messrs.  George  Beckwith,  Joseph 
Fish,  Benjamin  Pomeroy  and  Jonathan  Ingersoll,  were  ap 
pointed  chaplains. 

To  encourage  the  speedy  enlistment  of  men  for  the  service, 
the  bounty  was  increased  much  beyond  what  it  had  been  in 
former  years.  All  proper  measures  were  adopted  to  raise  the 
troops  with  expedition,  and  to  have  them  seasonably  in  the 
field. 

To  provide  forthe'expense  ofsuch  a  number  of  troops,  the  as 
sembly  enacted  that  thirty  thousand  pounds  lawful  money  in 
bills  of  credit,  at  five  per  cent  interest,  should  be  immediately 
printed  :  and  that  for  a  fund  for  the  sinking  of  said  bills,  a  tax 
of  eight  pence  on  the  pound  should  be  levied  on  the  grand  list 
ofthe  colony  to  be  brought  in,  Anno  Domini,  1760.  It  was 
provided,  however,  that  such  monies  as  should  arrive  from 
Great  Britain  for  the  reimbursement  of  the  expenses  of  the 
war,  should  be  applied,  by  the  treasurer,  for  the  purpose  of 
sinking  the  said  bills,  and  that  if  a  sufficient  sum  should  arrive 

*  Each  colonel  was  allowed  forty  pounds  for  his  table,  and  the  de 
cent  support  of  his  chaplain.  Their  wa°;es  as  colonels,  and  captain* 
for  one  company,  was  fifteen  pounds  per  month.  The  bounty  for 
each  man  who  would  equip  himself  for  the  field  was  four 
The  waga«  were  the  same  as  in  the  preceding  years. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  127 

before  the  time  fixed  for  the  payment  of  said  tax,  to  sink  the 
whole,  that  then  said  tax  should  notbs  levied,  and  that  the  act 
respecting  it  should  be  null  and  void. 

That  the  treasurer  might  be  able  to  pay  the  troops  on  their 
return  from  the  public  service,  the  assembly  laid  a  tax  of  nine 
pence  on  the  pound  on  the  whole  rateable  estate  of  the  colony, 
according  to  the  list  brought  in  to  the  assembly  in  October 
last,  and  ordered  that  it  should  be  collected  by  the  last  of  De 
cember  then  following.  And  as  it  was  uncertais  whether  mon 
ey  would  arrive,  sufficient  to  reimburse  the  expenses  of  the 
colony,  in  season,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  borrow  the 
svim  of  twenty  five  thousand  pounds,  to  be  paid  before  the  20th 
of  May,  1761.  For  an  ample  fund  to  repay  the  sum  to  be  bor 
rowed,  a  tax  of  five  pence  on  the  pound  was  levied  on  the  list 
which  should  be  brought  in  to  the  assembly  in  1759,  to  be  paid 
into  the  treasury  by  the  last  of  December,  1760.  It  was  enac 
ted  also,  that  any  of  the  notes  given  for  the  money  borrowed, 
might  be  received  in  payment  of  said  tax.  But,  as  considera 
ble  sums  of  money  were  expected  from  England,  for  provisions, 
furnished  for  the  troops  under  the  command  of  lord  London,  in 
1756,  it  was  enacted  that  said  money,  as  fast  as  it  should  arrive, 
should  be  applied  to  discharge  the  notes  given  for  the  money 
borrowed  ;  and  that,  if  a  sufficient  sum  should  seasonably  ar 
rive  to  discharge  all  the  notes,  that  then  said  tax  should  not  be 
collected. 

That  nothing  might  be  left  undone,  which  could  be  attempted 
for  his  majesty's  service,  the  commissioners  appointed  in  Octo 
ber,  to  meet  those  from  the  other  colonies,  were  now  authorised 
to  meet  them  at  Hartford  on  the  19th  of  April,  or  as  near  that 
time  as  mi^ht  be,  to  consult  on  measures  for  the  genera!  safety, 
and  to  excite  the  several  colonies  to  the  most  vigorous  and 
uuited  exertions  to  cary  his  majesty's  designs  into  execution.* 
As  it  appeared  by  Mr.  Pitt's  letter' that  major  general  Aber- 
crombie  was  chief  commander  of  the  troops  for  the  northern 
expedition,  the  Governor  was  desired  to  give  him  the  earliest 
information  of  the  measures  adopted  by  the  colonies,  and  their 
rigorous  preparations  for  an  early  and  successful  campaign. 

While  the  colonies  were  employing  the  most  vigorous  exer 
tions  for  an  early  campaign,  such  effectual  measures  had  been 
pursued  in  England,  that,  in  February,  the  armament  designed 
for  the  reduction  of  Louisburg,  was  in  readiness,  and  Bailed  for 
America.  Admiral  Bo^cawen  commanded  the  naval,  a'nJ  gen 
eral  Arnherst  the  land  operations.  Under  general  Amherst, 
wag  brigadier  general  Wolfe.  These  were  men  of  singular 
•haracters.  General  Amhersl  had  the  coolness  and  abilities  of 

*  Records  of  the  colony  for  March  8th,  1758. 


128  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

the  Roman  Fabius,  while  general  Wolfe  possessed  the  magna 
nimity  and  fire  of  the  Scipios.  From  such  men,  great  achieve 
ments  might  reasonably  be  expected  ;  and  their  successes  equal 
led  the  most  sanguine  expectations. 

Admiral  Boscawen  and  general  Amherst,  with  the  armament 
under  their  command,  arrived  safely  in  America  ;  and  on  the  28th 
of  May,  (he  whole  fleet,  consisting  of  one  hundred  and  fifty-sev 
en  sail,  with  about  fourteen  thousand  troops  on  board,  took  ita 
departure  from  Ilalifa^,  and  on  tlte  second  of  June  appeared  be- 
fere  Louisburg.  For  six  days  the  landing  of  the  troops  wa* 
impracticable.  The  surf  was  so  great,  that  no  boat  could  livs 
near  the  shore.  On  every  part  of  the  coast,  where  a  landing 
was  judged  possible,  the  enemy  had  made  entrenchments  :  ana, 
in  places  most  convenient  for  the  purpose,  they  had  erected 
batteries  and  mounted  cannon.  During  the  whole  time  after 
the  discovery  of  the  fleet,  un'il  the  landing  of  the  troops,  th» 
enemy  employed  themselves  in  strengthening  their  line?. 
7'hei?e  they  manned  with  a  numerous  infantry.  General  Am 
herst,  with  a  number  of  his  officers,  reconnoitered  the  shore. 

On  the  eighth  the  weather  became  more  favourable,  though 
there  was  yet  a  great  sweil  and  surf.  The  General,  detet  min 
ing1  not  to  lose  a  moment  seized  the  opportunity.  Before  the 
break  of  day  the  troops  were  embarked  in  three  divisions.  Th« 
admiral  and  general  made  their  dispositions  with  consummate 
judgment.  To  distract  the  enemy,  and  diaw  their  attention 
to  different  parts,  the  dispositions  were  made  in  this  manner: — 
The  divisions  on  the  right,  and  in  the  centre,  were  designed 
only  for  feints,  while  that  on  the  left,  was  appointed  for  the  real 
attack.  This  was  commanded  by  general  Wolfe.  Before  the 
landing,  five  frigates,  and  some  other  ships  of  war,  commenced 
a  furious  fire,  not  only  on  the  centre,  but  en  the  right  and  left 
of  the  enemy,  to  rake  them  in  their  flanks.  When  these  had 
fired  about  fifteen  minutes,  general  Wolfe  pressed  to  the  short?. 
The  enemy  reserved  his  fire  until  the  boats  were  nearly  in  shore, 
and  then  poured  upon  them  the  united  blaze  and  thunder  of 
their  musketry  and  cannon.  Many  of  the  boats  were  overset, 
and  others  dashed  in  pieces.  Some  of  the  men  were  thrown, 
and  others  leaped  into  the  water  ;  and  while  some  were  killed, 
and  others  drowned,  the  main  body,  supported  and  animated  by 
the  noble  example  and  conduct  of  their  commander,  pushed  to 
the  land,  and  with  such  order  and  resolution  rushed  on  the  en 
emy,  as  soon  put  them  into  confusion,  and  drove  them  from  their 
entrenchments.  When  general  Wolfe  had  made  good  his  lan 
ding,  the  centre  division  having  moved  to  the  left,  and  the  right 
following  the  centre,  the  landing  was  completed  in  excellent  *r- 


THE   UNITED  STATES.  J?9 

For  many  days,  the  weather  was  so  bad,  and  the  swell  and 
surf  so  great,  that  scarcely  any  of  t'ie  artillery  or  stores  could 
be  laruKl.  It  was  with  irre:U  difficulty  that  even  the  tent?, 
provision?,  and  implement:?  for  the  siege,  were  got  on  shore. 
The  weather  was  so  bnd,  at  the  time  of  landi"g,  and  during  the 
siegr>,  that  a  hundred  boats  were  lost  in  the  service.  The  en- 
cmv  had  fiveshifw  of  the  line,  and  one  or  more  frigates,  in  the 
harbour,  and  could  brinor  their  <_runs  to  bear  upon  the  troops,  in 
their  approaches.  T:>-  ground  was  excci'dingly  bad  ;  in  some 
places  rough,  in  c  ;y,  u  f:t,  and  miry.  These  obstacles, 

with  a  brave  resistance  from  the  enemy,  caused  the  sieofe,  for 
some  time  to  proceed  slowly.  But  no  di-courasrcments  were 
judged  insurmountable,  by  such  general-  as  Amherst  and 
Wolfe.  By  the  twelfth  of  June,  general  Wolfe  had  secured  the 
point  called  the  light  house  battery,  and  al!  the  posts  in  that 
quirter.  On  the  twenty-fifth,  he  had  silenced  the  island  batte 
ry  ;  but  the  shipping-  in  the  harbour  kept  up  the  fire  upon  him 
until  the  twenty  firal  of  July.  One  of  the  ships  then  took  fire 
and  blew  up.  This  set  two  others  on  fire,  which  burnt  to  the 
wa''  :  This  was  to  the  enemy  an  irreparable  loss. 

13 y  this  time  general  Arnberst  had  made  his  approaches  near 
to  the  city  ;  so  that  he  was  in  jjood  forwardness  to  make  lodg 
ments  on  the  covered  way.  The  town,  in  many  places,  was 
consumed  to  the  ground,  and  in  others,  was  much  damaged. 
The  fire  of  the  enemy  greatly  languished,  yet  no  proposals  of 
capitulation  were  made.  One  bold  action  more  was  necessary 
to  bring  them  to  terms.  That  was  to  destroy,  or  bring  off,  the 
ships  remaining  in  the  harbour.  For  this  purpose,  the  admiral 
sent  in  a  detachment  of  six  hundred  men,  under  the  command  of 
two  enterprising  youn^  captains,  Laforey  and  Bilfour.  Be 
tween  the  25th  and  26th  of  the  month,  under  (he  darkness  of 
the  night,  they  made  their  way  through  a  terrible -fire  of  can 
non  and  musketry,  and,  sword  in  hand  took  the  two  ships. 
One  ran  aground,  and  was  burnt  ;  the  other  they  rowed  out  of 
the  harbour,  in  triumph, 

The  next  morning,  the  governor  proposed  terms  ofc-ipilula- 
tion.  The  garrison,  consisting  of  five  ihousind  seven  hundred 
and  thirty  seven  men,  surrendered  p'i-^oners  of  war.  One  hun 
dred  and  twenty  one  cannon,  eighteen  mortars,  and  large  quan 
tities  of  stores  and  a-nrmriiM on,  were  taken.  The  enemy  1  <-t 
five  ships  of  the  line  and  four  frio-ates,  besides  other  vess -'s. 
St.  John's,  with  Louisburg,  was  given  up,  and  the  English  be 
came  masters  of  the  whole  coast  from  St.  Lawrence^to  Nova 
Scotia.  This  was  the  most  eff  ctual  blow  to  France,  which 
she  had  received  since  the  commencement  of  the  war.  It  was 
a  deep  wound  to  her  navy,  and  especially  to  her  colonies  and 
interests  in  America.  Ir.  very  much  cut  offber  commnunication 


130  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

with  Canada,  and  greatly  facilitated  the  reduction  of  that 
country. 

As  the  reduction  of  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point,  was  a  fa 
vorite  object  with  the  northern  co!oni?s,  they  made  early  and 
great  exertions  for  carrying  it  into  effectual  execution.  Be 
sides  ihe  assistance  which  they  gave  to  the  reduction  of  Louis- 
burg,  they  furnished  about,  ten  thousand  troops  for  the  northern 
expedition.  These  in  conjunction  with  between  six  and  seven 
thousand  regular  troops,  hud,  by  the  beginning  of  July,  got  in 
to  lake  George-  more  than  a  thousand  ooats  and  batteaux,  a 
lino  train  of  artillery,  provisions,  and  every  thing  necessary  for 
an  attack  on  the  fortresses  of  the  enemy. 

On  the  fifth  of  July,  the  army,  consisting  of  fifteen  thousand 
three  hundred  and  ninety  effective  men,  embarked  in  nine  hun 
dred  batteaux,  and  one  hundred  and  thirty  five  whale  boats, 
for  Ticonderoga.  Besides,  there  were  a  number  of  rafts,  on 
which  cannon  we.-e  mounted,  to  cover  the  landing  of  the  troops. 
Early  the  next  morning,  they  landed  at  the  north  end  of  lake 
George,  without  opposition.  The  army  formed  in  four  col 
umns,  and  began  their  march  for  Ticonderoga.  But  as  tha 
woods  were  thick,  and  the  guides  unskilful,  thy  troops  were  be 
wildered,  and  the  columns  filling  in  one  upon  another,  were  en 
tirely  broken.  In  this  confusion,  lord  Il.nve,  advancing  at  tha 
head  of  the  right  centre  column,  fell  in  with  the  advanced 
guard  of  the  enemy  consisting  of  a  but'alion  of  regulars  and  a 
few  Indians,  who  had  deserted  their  advanced  camp  near  tha 
lake,  and  were  precipitately  fleeing  from  our  troops  ;  but  bad 
lost  their  way,  and  were  bewildered  in  the  same  manner  as  they 
were.  The  enemy  discharged,  and  killed  lord  Howe  the  first 
fire.  The  suddenness  of  the  attack,  the  terriblencss  of  the  In 
dian  yell,  and  the  fall  of  lord  Howe,  threw  the  regulars,  who 
composed  the  centre  columns,  into  a  general  panic  and  confu 
sion  ;  but  the  provincials,  who  flanked  them,  and  were  ac 
quainted  with  their  mode  of  fighting,  stood  their  ground  and 
soon  defeated  (hern.  The  loss  of  the  enemy,  was  about  three 
hundred  killed,  and  one  hundred  and  forty  eight  taken.  Tha 
loss  of  the  English  was  inconsiderable  as  to  numbers,  but  in 
worth  and  consequences,  it  was  great.  The  loss  of  that  gal 
lant  officer,  lord  Howe,  was  irreparable.  From  the  day  ot  his 
arrival  in  America,  he  had  conformed  himself,  an:l  made  his  re 
giment  to  conform,  to  that  kind  of  service  which  the  country 
required.  He  was  the  first  to  endure  hunger  and  fatigue,  to 
encounter  danger,  and  to  sacrifice  all  personal  considerations 
to  the  public  service.  While  he  was  rigid  in  discipline,  by  hi* 
affability,  condescending  and  easy  manners,  heconciliated  affec 
tion,  anil  commanded  universal  esteem.  Indeed,  he  was  con 
sidered  very  much  as  the  idol  arid  life  of  the  army.  The  loss 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  131 

a  man,  at  such  a  lime  cannot  be  estimated.  To  tin?, 
the  provincials  attributed  the  defeat  and  unhappy  consequen 
ces  which  followed. 

As  the  troops  for  two  nights  had  slept  li'tle,  were  c.eatly  fa 
tigued,  and  needed  refreshment,  the  general  ordered  them  to 
return  to  the  landing  place,  where  they  arrived  at  eight  in  the 
morning. 

Colonel  Lrcdstreet  was,  FOOD  after  detached  \viih  a  strong 
corps,  to  take  possession  of  the  sawmill,  about  two  miles  from 
Ticonderege,  which  the  enemy  had  absndonct'.  Towards  ihe 
clpse  of  the  day,  the  whole  army  marched  to  the  niil.  The 
genera]  having  received  information,  that  the  garrison  at  Ti- 
conderoga  consUled  ol'  about  MX  thousand  men,  and  that  a  re 
inforcement  of  three  thousand  ir.cic  was  daily  expected,  deter 
mined  to  lose  no  time  in  attacking  their  lines.  He  ordered  hi? 
engineer  to  reconnoitre  the  giound  and  intrenchments  of  the 
enemy.  It  seems  .that  he  Lad  not  so  approached  and  examined 
them  as  to  obtain  any  proper  idea  of  them.  He  made  a  favora 
ble  report  of  their  weakness,  and  of  the  facility  of  forcing  them 
without  cannon.  On  this  groundless  report,  a  rash  and  fatal 
resolution  was  taken,  to  attack  the  lines  without  bringing  up 
the  artillery. 

The  aimy  advarced  to  tie  charge  with  the  greatest  intrepid 
ity,  and  for  more  then  four  hours  with  incredible  obstinacy 
maintained  the  attcck.  But  the  works  where  the  principal 
attack  was  made  were  eight  or  nine  feet  high,  and  impregna 
ble  even  by  field  pieces  ;  and  foi  i  early  an  hundred  yards  from 
the  brers'  \\oik,  trees  were  f.  lied  so  thick,  and  so  wrong!  t  to 
gether  with  their  limbs  (ointirg  e.utv.ard,  that  it  rendered  the 
approach  of  the  troops  in  a  great  measure  impossible.  In  this 
dreadful  situation.  i:ndi  r  the  fire  of  fcbout  three  thousand  of 
lite  enemy,  these  gallant  troops  were  kept,  without  the  leasl 
prospect  of  success-,  until  nearly  t\\o  thousand  were  killed  and 
wounded.  They  wete  iheu  cslkcl  iff.  To  this  ra.-h  and  pre 
cipitate  attack  H, CM  tied  a  ntnru  fqrnlly  rr.advisrd  and  pre 
cipitate.  By  the  eveuijig  of  the  m  xt-eoy  the  aimy  had  re 
treated  to  their  former  <  i  c;-r j  ru<m,  at  the  south  &nd  of  lake 
George, 

Nothing  could  have  been  rr,o;e  contrcrv  to  tlie  op.niong,  or 
more  mortifying  to  the  frciings  of  'he  provincials,  than  this 
whole  affair.  They  vicwid  tl;»'  att;:ck  u}  on  the  lines  without 
the  artillery  as  the  height  of  madness.  Besides,  it  was  mado 
under  every  disadvantage  to  the  assailants.  Tho  enemy's  linei 
were  of  great  exieru,  iiearly  three  quarters  of  a  roile.  On 
the  right  of  tl^e  con  mun  patii  towards  south  bay,  and  especial 
ly  on  the  north,  they  weie  weak  and  of  little  consideration. 
1«  both  these  quarters  they  might  have  been  approached  undwr 


132  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

the  cover  of  a  thick  wood.  The  army  was  sufficiently  nume 
rous  to  have  attacked  the  lines  in  their  whole  extent  at  once, 
or  at  least  in  a  very  great,  part  of  them,  and  to  have  drawn 
their  attention  to  various  parts  of  their  lines.  But,  unhappily, 
the  attack  was  made  upon  a  umill  part  of  them  where  they 
were  far  the  strongest,  and  most  inaccessible.  As  no  attacks 
or  feints  were  made  in  olher  paits,  the  enemy  were  left  to  pour 
their  whole  fire  on  a  small  spot,  while  the  whole  army  could 
not  approach  it.  Besides,  the  general  never  approached  the 
field,  where  his  presence  was  indispensably  neces.^-ary  ;  but  re 
mained  at  the  mill,  where  he  could  see  nothing-  of  the  action, 
nor  know  any  tiling  only  by  information  at  a  distance  of  iwo 
miles.  By  reason  of  this,  the  troops  for  hours  after  they 
should  have  been  called  off,  were  pushed  OQ  to  inevitable 
slaughter. 

But  especially  did  the  provincials  reprobate  the  retreat. 
They  considered  themselves  as  more  than  a  match  for  the  en 
emy,  should  their  pretended  reinforcements  arrive.  The  army, 
after  this  bloody  affair,  consisted  of  fourteen  thousand  effective 
men.  After  all  the  pompous  accounts  of  the  numbers  of  the 
enemy,  they  amounted  to  little  more  than  three  thousand. 
When  the  general  retreated,  he  had  more  than  four  effective 
men  to  one  of  theirs.  He  hotl  a  fine  train  of  artillery,  and 
there  were  strong  grounds  on  which  he  might  have  encamped 
with  the  utmost  irately.  There  were  eminences  which  com 
manded  all  the  works  of  the  enemy,  whence  he  might  have  en 
filaded  their  front,  and  poured  destruction  on  their  whole  lines 
and  camp. 

The  provincial  officers  were  therefore  clearly  of  the  opinion 
that  there  was  the  fairest  prospect  of  success,  notwithstanding 
their  misfortune,  could  the  expedition  only  be  prosecuted  with 
energy  and  prudence.  But  the  general  took  his  own  way, 
without  advising  with  them,  and  appeared  to  retreat  with  the 
utmost  perturbation. 

The  general  never  had  been  high  in  the  estimation  of  the 
provincials  after  the  loss  of  Oswego  ;  but  now  he  sunk  into 
contempt.  They  generally  called  him  Mrs,Nabbycromhie,  im 
porting  that  petticoats  would  much  better  become  him  than 
breeches.  To  repair  as  far  as  might  be,  the  disaster  at  Ticon- 
deroga,  the  general  detached  colonel  Bradstreet,  with  three 
thousand  provincials,  on  an  expedition  against  fort  Frontenac, 
It  was  planned  by  the  c  Jonel,  and  undertaken  at  his  desire. 
Notwithstanding  the  gnat  distance  of  this  post  from  Lake 
George,  and  the  numerous  obstacles  in  his  march,  he  reached 
lake  Ontario,  embarked  his  troops,  and  landed  them  in  the 
short  term  of  about  a  month,  within  one  mile  of  the  enemy's 
post.  Having  secured  his  landing,  lie  immediately  invested 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  133 

the  fort.  The  enemy  made  no  opposition,  but,  after  two  days, 
surrendered  themselves  prisoners  of  war.  This  important 
post  was  on  the  north  side  of  the  river  St.  Lawrence,  just 
where  it  takes  its  rise  from  lake  Ontario.  The  fort  not  only 
commanded  the  entrance  of  the  river  from  the  lake,  bnt  was 
the  grand  magazine  lor  supplying  Niagara,  du  Quesne,  and  all 
the  enemy's  southern  and  western  garrisons.  But  as  no  attack 
had  heen  expected  in  this  quarter,  and  the  enemy  had  been 
drawn  off,  for  the  defence  of  Ticonderoga,  and  their  southern 
posts,  the  garrison  consisted  only  of  one  hundred  and  thirty 
men.  But  there  were  in  the  fort  sixty  cannon,  sixteen  small 
mortars,  and  an  irrmense  quantity  of  provisions  and  goods. 
They  were  valued  by  the  French  at  eight  hundred  thousand  li- 
vres.  Mine  armed  vessels,  from  eight  to  eighteen  guns  ware 
taken.  This  was  the  whole  naval  force  which  the  enemy  had 
on  the  lake.  After  tins  enterprising  officer  had  destroyed  the 
fort,  stores,  provisions  and  shipping,  except  two  vessels,  and 
what  he  could  carry  on  board  of  them,  he  returned  with  them, 
richly  laden,  toOswr^o. 

This  fortunate  event,  with  the  attempt  on  Ticondaroga,  was 
attended  with  very  impoitant  consequences.  It  frustrated  tho 
expedition  of  Monsieur  Levi  against  the  settlements  on  the 
Mohawk  river,  rec  >vcred  the  communication  between  Albany 
and  Oswego;  and  once  more  gave  us  the  command  of  lake  On 
tario.  Itgreatly  obstructed  the  communication  between  Ca 
nada,  Niagara,  and  the  southern  and  western  settlements. 

General  Arnherst  having  placed  a  strong  garrison  at  Louis- 
burg,  and  having  made  the  dispositions  necessary  for  the  secu 
rity  of  the  adjacent  country,  'pr°ceeded  to  B  )-ton,  with  six 
regiments,  and  thence  marc'.ed  through  the  country,  to  re;n- 
force  the  army  at  Jake  George.  He  designed,  if  the  season 
should  not  be  too  far  advanced,  to  achieve  something  further  for 
the  service  of  his  country. 

While  these  events  were  taking  place  in  the  northern  di-pa't- 
ment,  general  Forbes,  who  had  been  appointed  to  command  the 
expedition  to  the  southward,  was  advancing  with  great  activity 
and  labour,  to  the  conquest,  of  fort  du  Quesne.  About  eight 
thousand  men  had  been  assigned  to  this  service.  In  June,  the 
general  marched  from  Philadelphia  for  the  Ohio.  His  march 
lay  through  a  vast  tract  of  country  but  little  known,  destitute 
of  roads  for  the  marching  of  armies,  anu  encurnbered-with  wood, 
morasses  and  mountains  almost  impassable.  It  was  with  in 
credible  difficulty  that  he  procured  provisions  and  carriacres  for 
the  expedition ;  that  he  formed  new  roads,  extended  scouti"? 
parties,  secured  his  carnp,  from  time  lo  time,  and  surmounted 
the  numerous  obstructions  which  presented  themselves  in  his 
tedious  march.  In  addition  to  the  other  difficulties,  which  im- 
12 


1 34  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

peded  his  march,  tlie  hostile  Indians  kept  a  constant  watch  upon 
all  his  movements,  and,  in  small  detachments,  neglected  no 
opportunity  to  obstruct  and  harrass  him  as  he  advanced. 

When  he  had  arrived  at  Ray's  town,  about  ninety  miles  ft  on? 
du  Quesne,  he  sent  forward  colonel  Bouquet,  with  a  detach 
ment  of  a  thousand  rrrtn,  to  Lyal  Henning,  within  about  forty 
miles  of  the  fort.  The  colonel,  from  this  post,  detached  major 
Grant,  with  eight  hundred  men,  to  reconnoitre  the  situation  and 
works  of  the  enemy;  and,  if  practicable,  to  reduce  the  post  by 
a  coup  de  main.  The  enemy  Discovered  them  as  they  ap 
proached,  and  detached  a  body  of  troops  sufficient  completely 
to  surround  them.  A  severe  action  ensued,  which,  for  three 
hours,  the  English,  with  great  spirit  maintained  against  so 
great  a  superiority.  But,  finally,  they  were  overpowered, 
obliged  to  give  way,  and  retreated  with  disorder  to  Lyal  Hen 
ning.  About  three  hundred  men  were  killed  and  taken.  Among 
the  latter  was  major  Grant,  and  nineteen  other  officers,  who 
were  carried  prisoners  to  fort  du  Q,uesne.  This  severe  check 
made  no  alteration  in  the  resolution  of  general  Forbes.  He 
still  advanced,  with  that  persevering  firmness  and -circumspec 
tion,  which  had  marked  his  whole  conduct.  The  enemy,  per 
ceiving  that  it  was  impossible  to  surprise  and  defeat  him  on  hi* 
march,  and  that  their  numbers  were  not  sufficient  to  maintain 
the  post  against  him,  on  the  twenty-fourth  of  November,  de 
stroyed  their  works  and  abandoned  the  post  to  the  general.  His 
light  troops  took  possession  the  'following  evening.  The  next 
day  the  general  arrived  with  his  whole  army,  and  the  British 
flag  was  once  more  erected  at.  fort  du  Quesne.  The  French 
made  their  escape  down  the  river,  partly  in  boats  and  partly  by 
land,  to  their  settlements  on  the  Mississippi. 

General  Forbes  repaired  the  fort  and  named  it  FORT  PITT, 
in  honor  to  secretary  Pitt.  Having  concluded  treaties  of  friend 
ship  and  alliance  with  the  Indian  nations  of  that  fine  and  exten 
sive  country,  and  apparently  reconciled  them  to  the  English 
government,  he  committed  the  care  of  the  fort  to  a  garrison  of 
provincials,  and  took  hie  departure  for  Philadelphia.  On  hii 
returti.  he  erected  some  small  fortresses  at  Lyal  Henuing,  for 
the  defence  of  the  western  frontiers  of  Pennsylvania. 

The  incredible  fatigues  of  this  campaign  so  broke  the  consti 
tution  of  this  vigilant  and  brave  commander,  that  he  returned 
to  Philadelphia  in  a  very  enfeebled  state  ;  where,  after  languish 
ing  a  short  time,  he  died,  universally  lamented. 

When  general .  Amherst  arrived  with  his  troops  at  the  lake, 
the  season  was  so  far  advanced,  and  such  a  body  of  troops  had 
been  drawn  off,  for  the  expedition  under  colonel  Bradstreet.  that 
he  judged  it  (inadvisable  to  make  any  further  attempts  against 
tVe  enemy  during  that  campaign. 


THE  UNITED   STATES.  135 

Notwithstanding  the  defeat  at  Ticonderoga,  the  campaign 
closed  with  great  honour  and  advantage,  not  only  to  the  colo 
nies,  but  to  the  nation  in  general.  In  this  fourth  year  after  the 
commencement  of  hostilities,  the  English  had  not  only  reduced 
Louisburg,  St.  Johns,  and  Frontenac  ;  but  had  made  themselves 
the  undisturbed  possessors  of  that  fine  tract  of  country,  the  con- 
ten  tion  for  which  had  kindled  the  flames  of  war  in  so  general 
and  destructive  a  manner.  Success  had  attended  the' British 
arms,  not  only  in  America,  but  in  almost  every  quarter  of  the 
globe.  The  successes  in  America,  besides  many  other  important 
advantages,  paved  the  way  fur  that  series  ofs  uccessfui  events, 
which  terminated  in  the  entire  reduction  of  Canada. 

Another  favourable  occurrence  of  this  year,  which  had  ita 
influence  in  that  great  event,  was  a  general  treaty  and  pacifi 
cation  with  all  the  Indian  nations,  inhabiting  bet'.veen  the  Appa 
lachian  mountains  and  the  lakes.  This  was  completed  at  Eas- 
ton,  on  the  eighth  of  October. 

In  review  of  the  events  of  the  present  and  past  years  of  the 
war,  the  immense  importance  of  having  men  of  capacity,  fideli 
ty,  and  enterprise,  at  the  head  of  government,  appears  in  a 
convincing  and  striking  point  of  light.  Under  the  old  ministry 
and  their  generals,  for  three  successive  years,  nothing  but  loss, 
disappointment,  and  shame,  attended  every  enterprise.  Not  ono 
general  officer,  of  their  appointment,  in  America,  ever  achieved 
anything  magnanimous  or  honourable;  but  hesitation,  delay, 
and  disappointment,  attended  all  their  measures.  On  the  con 
trary,  under  the  new  ministry,  and  the  generals  and  officers 
originally  of  their  appointment,  every  enterprise  was  crowned 
with  success.  A  series  of  most  important  and  brilliant  successes, 
from  every  quarter,  like  a  steady,  all  cheering  stream,  flowed 
in  upon  the  nation. 

1749.  It  wa^  proposed  to  attack  Canada,  and  it  was  deter 
mined  that  three  powerful  armies  should  enter  the  country  by 
different  routs,  and  commence  an  attack  at  the  same  time.  Gene 
ral  Amherst,  who  commanded  one  division,  in  his  rout  attacked 
Ticonderoga.  The  garrison  soon  surrendered,  as  the  principal 
part  of  them  had  retired  to  Crown  Point.  General  Amherst 
proceeded  against  this  place,  and  took  possession  of  it,  but  the 
enemy  before  their  arrival,  fled  to  Lie  aux  Noix,  in  the  northern 
part  of  lake  Cham^lain.  The  second  party,  commanded  by 
general  Prideaux,  was  destined  against  Ni^ara,  but  he  was 
killed  by  the  bursting  of  a  cohorn.  Sir  William  Johnson,  on. 
whcir  the  command  now  rested,  successfully  put  in  execution 
the  plans  of  his  lamented  predecessor;  and  on  the  twenty-fourth 
of  July,  a  genera!  battle  took  place.  The  action  was  warm 
and  bloody,  and  th-3  carnage  was  groat;  but  the  conflict  was 
short,  which  placed  Niagara  in  the  hands  of  the  Enjflis'i.  An 
expedition  against  Quebeck  was  the  most  during  and  important. 


136  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

That  place  wa?  so  well  strengthened,  that  all  expeditions  against 
it  had  failed.  It  was  commanded  hy  Montcalm,  who  was  post 
ed  below  the  town,  with  a  strong  force,  and  the  town  was 
covered  by  an  army  of  10,000  men.  General  Wolfe  was  deter 
mined  to  try  his  skill  in  this  case.  He  soon  took  possession  of 
Point  Levi,  on  the  southern  bank  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  and 
erected  batteries.  By  means  of  these,  he  destroyed  many 
houses,  but  made  little  impression  on  the  fortifications  of  the 
town  ;  he  resolved  to  quit  his  post. 

General  Wolfe  made  several  attempts  to  reduce  the  place, 
but  they  all  proved  unsuccessful!.  He  also  attempted  to  des 
troy  the  shipping;  this  attempt  also  proved  abortive.  Stung 
with  chagrin  at  his  own  disappointment,  general  Wolfe  deter 
mined  to  nssend  a  precipice  of  about  one  hundred  and  seventy 
five  feet,  by  which  he  might  gain  the  heights  of  Abraham.  And 
on  the  night  of  the  12t.h  of  September,  he  dropped  down 
river,  and  at  the  break  of  day,  September  13i.h,  the  army  was 
formed  on  the  heights  of  Abraham,  ready  to  meet  the  erieJiy, 
ere  Montcalm,  the  French  general,  was  aware  of  it. 

On  the  12th  of  September,  one  hour  af^  ;•  midnight,  general 
Wolfe,  with  his  army,  leaving  the  ships,  embarked  in  boats,  and 
silently  dropped  down  with  the  current,  intending  to  land  a 
league  above  cape  Diamond,  and  thus  to  gain  the  heights  of 
Abraham.  But,  owing  to  the  rapidi'y  of  the  current,  they  fell 
below  their  intended  place,  and  disembaiked  at  what  is  now 
called  Wolfe's  cove,  a  mile,  or  a  mile  and  a  half,  above  the 
city.  The  operation  was  a  most  critical  one — they  had  to  na 
vigate  in  silence,  down  a  rapid  stream — to  hit  upon  the  right 
place  for  a  landing,  which  in  the  dark,  might  be  easily  mistak 
en — the  shore  was  shelving,  and  the  bank  to  be  ascended  was 
steep  and  lofty,  and  scarcely  practicable,  even  without  opposi 
tion.  Doubtless,  it  was  this  combination  of  circumstances, 
which  lulled  the  vigilance  of  the  wary  and  discerning  Montcalm: 
he  thought  such  an  enterprise  absolutely  impracticable,  and 
therefore  had  stationed  only  sentinels  and  picket,  guards  aloug 
this  precipitous  shore. 

Indeed,  the  attempt  was  in  the  greatest  danger  of  being  de 
feated  by  an  occurrence,  which  is  very  interesting,  as  marking 
muoh  more  emphatically,  than  dry  official  accounts  can  do,  the 
very  great  delicacy  of  the  transaction. 

One  of  the  French  sentinels,  posted  along  the  shore,  chal 
lenged  the  English  boats  in  the  customary  military  language  of 
the  French;  «*  Qui  vit !"  who  gees  there!  to  which  a  captain 
of  Frazer's  regiment,  who  had  served  in  Holland,  and  was 
familiar  with  the  French  language  and  customs,  promptly  re 
plied,  "  la  France."  The  next  question  was  much  more  em- 
barrassino,  for  the  sentinel  demanded,  "  a  quel  regiment  ?"  "  to 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  137 

what  regiment."  The  captain,  who  happened  to  know  the 
name  of  one  of  the  regiments  which  was  up  the  river,  with 
Bougainville,  promptly  rejoined,  "  de  la  Reine,'1'  "  the  queen's." 
The  soklier  immediately  replied,  " passe ,"  for  he  concluded  at 
once,  that  this;  was  a  French  convoy  of  provisions,  which,  as 
ihe  English  had  learned,  from  some  deserters,  vvas  expected  to 
pass  down  the  river  to  Quebec.  The  other  sentinels  were 
deceived  in  a  si  niiar  manner ;  but  one,  less  credulous  than  the 
rest,  running1  down  to  the  water's  edge,  called  out.  "  Pourquoi 
est  ce  que  vous  tie  p^Hez  plus  haul?"  why  donl  you  speak 
louder?"  Tne  same  captain,  wi;h  perfect  self-command,  re 
plied,  '•  Tai  t»>i,  nous,  serons,  entendues!"  "  hu?h,  we  shall  be 
overheard  and  discovered."  The  sentry,  satisfied  with  this 
caution,  retired.  The  British  boats  were  on  the  point  of  being 
fired  info,  by  the  captain  of  one  of  their  own  transport  ships, 
xvho,  ignorant  of  what  was  going  on,  took  them  for  French  ; 
but  general  Wolfe  perceiving  tiie  commotion  on  board,  rowed 
along  side  in  person,  and  prevented  the  firing,  which  would 
have  alarmed  the  town,  and  frustrated  the  enterprise.  General 
Wolfe,  although  greatly  reduced  by  a  fever,  to  which  a  dysen 
tery  was  superadded,  was  nevertheless  the  first  man  to  leap 
ashore.  The  rugged  precipices,  full  of  projections  of  rocks  and 
uf  trees,  and  shrubs  growing  every  where  among  the  cliffs,  into 
which  the  bank  was  broken,  presented  a  most  forbidding  ap 
pearance,  and  general  Wolfe  familiarly  speaking  to  an  officer 
who  stood  by,  said,  "  I  don't  believe  there  is  any  possibility  of 
getting  up,  but  you  must  do  your  endeavour."  There  was 
ouly  a  narrow  path,  leading  obliquely  up  the  hill;  this  had 
been  rendered  by  the  e<iemv  unpayable,  in  consequence  of  be- 
iugbrofcen  up  by  cross  ditches,  and  there  was  besides  an  en 
trenchment  at  the  top,  uefendt'd  by  a  captain's  guard.  This 
guard  was  easily  lii.-persed,  and  the  troops  then  pulled  theiri- 
selvcjs  up  by  taking  hold  of  the  boughs  and  stumps  of  the 
ti-ees,  and  or' the  projections  of  the  rocks. 

This  precipice,  (which  «nay  be  in  different  places,  from  one 
hundred  and  (my  to  iwo  hundred  feet  high,)  is  stiil  vvry  rude 
and  rugged,  but  probably  much  less  so  than-  in  1750;  it  can 
now  bo  su!  mounted,  without  very  great  difficulty,  bv  m-jn  who 
are  unmolested. 

Wni;e  slaking  all,  upon  a  very  hazardous  adventure;  had 
he  been  discovered  prematurely,  through  a  s-py,  a  inserter,  or 
an  alarmed  sentry,  his  army  would  hove  been  im^ -ifiioiv  lost : 
but  having  gained  the  heij'i  t,  iie  limned  las  iruo.»a,  and  n,et 
the  enemy  in  good  order. 

The  plains  of  Abraham  lie  south  and  west  of  Quebec,  and 
commence  the  moment  you  leave  the  walls  of  the  citv.  They 
area  very  elevated  tract  of  Around;  this  ratut  of  course  IM 


138  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

the  fact,  as  they  are  on  the  summit  of  the  heights  which  ter 
minate  at  the  river;  they  are  nearly  level — free  from  trees  and 
all  other  obstacles,  and  I  presume  were  nearly  so  at  the  time 

of  the  hattle.  Our  military  friend,  captain  ,  with  true 

professional  feelings,  remarked,  that  it  was  "a  fine  place  for  a 
battle."  I  went  to  the  brink  of  the  precipice,  where  my  guide 
assured  me  that  Wolfe  and  the  army  came  up;  a  footpath, 
much  trodden,  leads  through  lo\v  bushes  to  the  spot.  I  pre 
sume,  that  five  hundred  men,  ported  on  this  edge,  would  have 
repelled  the  whole  army. 

It  was  about  an  hour  before  the  dawn,  that  the  army  began 
to  ascend  the  precipice,  and  by  day  light,  they  were  formed  and 
io  perfect  preparation  to  meet  the  enemy. 

When  Montcalm  first  received  information  that  the  English 
occupied  the  heights  of  Abraham,  he  was  gre  itly  surprised.  He 
saw  that  a  battle  was  inevitable,  and  prepared  to  fight.  The 
French  advanced  briskly;  the  English  reserved  their  fire,  until 
the  enemy  were  near,  and  then  gave  it  with  decisive  effect. 
Early  in  the  engagement,  Wolfe  received  a  slight  wound  in 
hrs  wrist,  but  binding-  his  handkerchief  around  it,  he  continued 
to  encourage  his  men. 

Sooo  after  r!;is  he  received  another  in  his  groin.  This  he 
also  concealed,  and  continued  to  urge  on  his  troops,  until  a 
third  ball  pierced  his  breast,  which  obliged  him  to  quit  the 
command,  which  fell  on  Monckton.  He  was  soon  vVounded,  and 
the  Command  devolved  upon  Towoshead.  At  this  moment, 
Montcalm,  fighting  at  the  head  of  his  men,  was  mortally 
wounded,  and  general  Jennezergus,  his  second  in  command, 
also  fell.  The  loss  of  their  commanders  caused  the  French  te 
give  way.  Wolfe,  who  was  reclining  his  head  on  the  arm  of 
an  officer,  was  aroused  by  the  cry  of  "  they  fly — they  fly  !"  the 
hero  eagerly  asked,  "  who  fly  ?"  being  informed  the  French 
were  routed,  u  then,"  said  he,  "  I  die  in  peace/'  and  expired. 

This  death,  says  professor  Silliman,  has  furnished  a  grand 
and  pathetic  subject  for  the  painter,  the  poet,  the  historian, 
and  undoubtedly,  considered  as  a  mere  military  glory,  it  is  one 
of  the  most  sublime  that  the  annals  of  war  afford.  In  five 
days  after  the  battle,  the  city  surrendered,  and  received  an 
English  garrison. 

The  following  anecdote  may  serve  as  a  specimen  of  the 
sufferings  then  common  to  French  and  Indian  wars. 

"Captain  Ochterlony,  and  ensign  Peyton,  belonged  to  the 
regiment  of  brigadier-general  Monckton.  They  were  nearly 
of  an  age,  which  did  not  exceed  thirty  ;  the  first  was  a  North- 
Briton,  the  other  -a  native  of  Ireland.  Both  were  agreeable 
in  person,  and  unblemished  in  character,  and  connected  to 
gether  by  the  ties  of  mutual  friendship  and  esteem.  On  tha 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  139 

day  that  preceded  the  battle,  captain  Ochterlony  had  been 
obliged  to  fight  a  duel  with  a  German  officer,  in  which,  though 
be  wounded  and  disarmed  his  antagonist,  yet  he  himself  re 
ceived  a  dangerous  hint  under  the  right  arm,  in  consequence 
of  which,  his  friends  insisted  on  his  remaining-  in  camp  during1 
the  action  the  next  day;  but  his  spirit  was  too  great  to  comply 
with  this  remonstrance.  He  declared  it  should  never  be  said 
that  a  scratch,  received  in  a  private  rencounter,  had  prevented 
him  from  doing  his  duty,  when  his  country  required  his  service  ; 
and  he  took  the  field  with  a  fusil  in  his  hand,  though  he  was 
hardly  able  to  carry  his  arms.  In  leading  up  his  men  to  the 
enemy's  entrenchment,  he  was  shut  through  the  lungs  with  a 
musket  ball,  an  accident  which  obliged  him  to  part  with  his 
fusil  ;  but  he  still  continued  advancing,  until,  by  loss  of  blood, 
he  became  too  weak  to  proceed  further.  About  the  same  time, 
Mr.  Peyton  was  lamed  by  a  shot,  which  shattered  the  small 
bone  of  his  left  leg.  The  soldiers,  in  iheir  retreat,  earnestly 
begged,  with  tears  in  their  eyes,  that  captain  Qcbtef Ion y  would 
allow  them  to  carry  him  and  the  ensign  off  the  field.  But  he 
was  so  bigoted  to  a  severe  point  of  honor,  that  he  would  ndt 
quit  the  ground,  though  he  desired  they  would  take  care  of  his 
ensign.  Mr.  Peyton,  with  a  o-enerous  disdain,  rejected  their 
good  officas,  declaring  he  would  not  leave  his  captain  in  such 
a  situation;  and,  in  a  little  time,  they  remained  sole  survivors 
on  that  part  of  the  field. 

"  Captain  Ochterlony  sat  down  by  his  friend,  and,  as  they 
expected  nothing  but  immediate  death,  they  took  leave  of  each 
ether  ;  yet  they  were  not  al'ogether  abandoned  by  the  hope 
of  being  protected  as  prisoners;  for  the  captain,  seeing  a 
French  soldier,  with  -two  Indians,  approach,  started  up,  and 
accosting  them  in  the  French  language,  which  he  spoke  per 
fectly  well,  expressed  his  expectation  that  they  would  treat 
him  and  his  companion  as  officers,  prisoners,  and  gentlemen. 
The  two  Indians  seemed  to  be  entirely  under  the  conduct  of 
the  Frenchman,  who,  coming  up  to  Mr.  Peyton,  as  he  sat  on 
the  ground,  snatched  his  laced  hat  from  his  head,  and  robbed 
the  captain  of  his  watch  and  money.  This  outrage  was  a 
signal  to  the  Indians  for  murder  and  pillage.  One  of  them, 
clubbing  his  firelock,  struck  at  him  behind,  with  a  view  to 
knock  him  down  ;  but  the  blow,  missing  his  head,  took  place 
upon  his  shoulders.  At  the  same  instant,  the  other  Indian 
poured  his  shot  into  the  breast  of  this  unfortunate  young  gen 
tleman,  who  cried  out,  'O  Peyton!  the  villain  has"  shot  me.' 
Not  yet  satiated  with  cruelty,  the  barbarian  sprung  upon  him, 
and  stabbed  him  in  the  belly  with  his  scalping  knife.  Tho 
captain  having  parted  with  his  fus;l,  had  no  weapon  for  hia 
defence,  a*  none  of  the  officers  wore  swords  in  the  action. 


HO  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

The  three  ruffians  finding  him  still  alive  endeavored  to  strangle 
him  with  his  own  sash ;  and  he  was  now  upon  his  knees, 
struggling  against  thorn  with  surprising  exertion.  Mr.  Peyton, 
at  this  juncture,  having  a  double  barrelled  musket  in  his  hand, 
and  seeing  the  distress  of  his  friend,  fired  at  one  of  the  Indians, 
who  dropped  dead  on  the  spot.  The  other,  thinking  the  en 
sign  would  now  be  an  easy  prey,  advanced  towards  him,  and 
Mr.  Peyton,  having  taken  gcod  aim,  at  the  distance  of  four 
yards,  discharged  his  piece  a  second  time,  but  it  seemed  to  take 
no  effect.  The  savage  fired  in  his  turn,  and  wounded  the  en 
sign  in  the  shoulder;  then,  rushing  upon  him,  thrust  his  bay 
onet  through  his  body  ;  he  repeated  the  blow,  which  Mr.  Pey 
ton  attempting  to  parry,  received  another  wound  in  his  left 
hawd ;  nevertheless,  he  seized  the  Indian's  musket  with  the 
same  hand,  pulled  him  forwards,  and,  with  his  right,  drawing 
a  dagger  which  hung  by  his  side,  plunged  it  into  the  barbarian's 
side.  A  violent  struggle  endued;  but  at  length,  Mr.  Peyton 
was  uppermost,  and  with  repeated  strokes  of  his  dagger,  killed 
his  antagonist  outright.  Here  he  was  seized  with  an  unac 
countable  emotion  of  curiosity,  to  know  whether  or  not  his 
shot  had  taken  effect  on  the  body  of  the  Indian  ;  he  according 
ly  turned  him  up,  and  stripping  off  his  blanket,  perceived  that 
the  ball  had  penetrated  quite  through  the  cavity  of  the  breast. 
Having  thus  obtained  a  dear  bought  victory,  he  started  up  on 
one  leg,  and  saw  capfain  Ochteilony  standing  at  the  distance 
of  sixty  yards,  CIOFO  by  the  enemy's  breastwork,  with  the 
French  soldier  attending  him.  Mr.  Peyton  then  called  aloud, 
'  captain  Ochterlony,  I  am  glad  to  see  you  have  at  last  got 
under  protection.  Beware  of  that  villain,  who  is  more  bar 
barous  than  the  savages.  God  bless  you,  my  dear  captain.  I 
see  a  pa;(y  of  Indians  coming  this  way,  and  expect  to  be 
murdered  immediately.'  A  number  of  those  barbarians  hud 
for  some  time  been  employed  on  the  left,  in  scalping  and  pillag 
ing  the  d)  ing  and  the  dead,  that  were  left  upon  the  field  of 
battle  ;  and  above  thirty  of  them  were  in  full  inarch  to  destroy 
Mr.  Peyton.  This  gentleman  knew  he  had  no  mercy  to  ex 
pect;  for,  should  his  life  be  spared  for  the  pr<  sent,  they  WMild 
ha\e  afterwards  insisted  upon  sacrificing  him  to  the  nruines  of 
their  brethren  whom  he  had  slain;  and  in  that  case,  he  would 
have  been  put  to  death  by  the  most  excruciating  tortures. 
Full  of  this  idea,  he  snatched  up  his  musker,  and,  notwithstand 
ing  his  broken  leg,  ran  above  forty  yards  without  halting,  and 
feeling  himself  now  totally  disabled,  and  incapable  of  proceed 
ing  one  step  funher,  he  loaded  his  piece,  and  presented  it  to 
the  two  foremost  Indians,  who  stood  aloof,  waiting  to  be  joined 
by  their  fellows ;  while  the  French,  from  tlteir  breast- works, 
kept  up  a  continual  lire  of  canuon  and  small  arms  upon  this 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  *  141 

poor,  solitary,  maimed  gentleman.  In  this  uncomfortable  situ 
ation  he  stood,  when  he  discerned  at  a  distance,  a  Highland  offi 
cer,  with  a  party  of  his  men,  skirting  the  plain  towards  the 
field  of  battle.  He  forthwith  waved  his  hand  in  signal  of  dis 
tress,  and  being  perceived  by  the  officer,  he  detached  thr^e  of 
his  men  to  his  assistance.  These  brave  fellows  hastened  to 
him  through  the  midst  of  a  terrible  fire,  and  one  of  them  bore 
him  off  on  his  shoulders.  The  Highland  officer  was  captain 
Macdonald,  of  colonel  Fiazer's  battalion  ;  who,  understanding 
that  a  young  gentleman,  his  kinsman,  had  dropped  on  the  field 
of  battk?,  had  nut  himself  at  the  head  of  this  party,  with  which 
he  penetrated  to  the  middle  of  the  field,  drove  a  considerable 
number  of  tiie  French  and  Indians  before  him,  and  finding  his 
relation  still  unscalped,  c  Tried  him  off  in  triumph.  Poor  cap 
tain  Ochterlony  was  conveyed  to  Quebec,  where,  in  a  few 
days,  he  died  of  his  wounds.  After  the  reduction  of  that  place, 
the  French  surgeons  who  attended  him,  declared  that,  in  all 
probability,  he  would  have  recovered  of  the  two  shots  he  had 
received  in  his  breast,  had  lie  not  been  mortally  wounded  in  the 
belly,  by  the  Indian's  scalping  knife. 

"  As  this  very  remarkable  scene  was  acted  in  sight  of  both 
aunies,  general  Townsend,  in  the  sequel,  expostulated  with  the 
French  officers  upon  the  inhumanity  of  keeping  up  such  a  se 
vere  fire  against  two  wounded  gentlemen,  who  were  disabled, 
and  destitute  of  all  hope  of  escaping.  They  answered,  that 
the  fire  was  not  made  by  the  regulars,  but  by  the  Canadians 
and  savages,  whom  it  was  not  in  the  power  of  discipline  to 
restrain." 

In  September,  1760,  Montreal  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  En 
glish,  and  soon  after,  all  the  French  posis  in  Canada  fell  into 
their  power.  Thus  ended  a  war  which  had  continued  six 
years,  which  had  cost  many  thousand  lives,  and  much  distress. 
In  1763,  Nova  Scotia,  Canada,  the  Isle  of  Cape  Breton,  and  all 
other  islands  in  the  gulf  and  near  St.  Lawrence,  were  ceded 
to  the  British  crown. 

REMARKS  ON  PART  SECOND. 

Manners  and  Customs. — The  rapid  increase  of  wealth  began 
to  introduce  among  tiie  colonies  the  tastes  and  fashions  of  the 
Europeans  countries,  but  their  continuance  was  short  among 
the  Americans. 

Religion. — The  Dutch  reformed  religion  generally  prevailed 
in  New- York  during  this  period,  Shakers  and  Friends  arrived 
in  America.  During  the  French  and  Indian  war,  infidelity  was 
introduced  into  tiie  army  by  the  English  officers  and  soldiers 
who  came  into  this  country,  and  froru  the  army  it  spread  through 
society  generally. — Population  2,500,000. 


UiNIVERSAL  HISTORY 

or  THE 

UMITZSB  STATES 
Part  T\UY<\. 

CHAPTER  Vf. 

A  tummnry  view  of  the  Causes  that  led  to  the  American  Revo 
lution. 

Although  the  narrow  and  illiberal  policy  of  the  British  gov 
ernment  towards  her  North  American  colonies,  from  their  first 
settlement,  was  calculated  to  alienate  the  affections  of  the  colo 
nies  from  the  parent  country  ;  yet  from  their  exposed  situation, 
and  habitual  loyalty,  this  unworthy  conduct,  long  perserved  in, 
produced  no  sensible  impression  on  the  Americans  :  their  loy 
alty  and  attachment'  to  the  interests  of  Britain  were  not  in  the 
smallest  degree  impaired,  down  to  the  period  of  the  peace  of 
Paris  in  1763.  Never  had  they  shewn  so  much  zeal,  or  made 
such  great  sacrifices  in  the  cause  of  their  country,  as  during 
the  preceding  war;  having  lost  more  than  twenty-five  thousand 
men,  expended  all  the  revenues  they  could  raise,  and  involved 
themselves  deeply  in  debt.  Almost  the  whole  burdens  of  the 
war  in  America  had  fallen  on  the  colonies;  and  their  exertions 
were  altogether  disproportionate  to  their  means,  and  tended 
greatly  to  impoverish  and  distress  them.  After  eight  years' 
arduous  struo-gles,  attended  with  the  greatest  sacrifices,  »the 
successful  termination  of  the  war — the  dominion  of  France 
in  America  being  relinquished  forever — occasioned  universal 
joy  throughout  the  colonies  ;  they  forgot  their  sufferings  and 
distresses,  in  the  fair  prospects  which  the  peace  afforded. 

But  these  prospects  were  of  short  duration  ;  the  peace  of 
Paris  formed  a  now  era  in  the  views  and  conduct  of  Great 
Britain  towards  her  colonies  in  America.  The  possessions  of 
France,  in  America,  having  been  ceded  to  Britain,  and  having 
no  longer  any  ft  ar  of  her  power  in  this  hemisphere,  a  system  of 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  143 

measures  was  pursued  towards  the  colonies,  originating  in  jeal 
ousy,  and  tending  to  despotism.  As  soon  as  the  colonies  had 
fought  their  way  to  a  condition  which  afforded  the  prospect  of 
rapidly  increasing  in  population  and  wealth,  attempts  were 
made  to  restrict  their  commercial  and  political  privileges,  and 
gradually  to  reduce  them  to  the  most  wretched  state  of  coloni 
al  vasalage.  For  a  century  and  a  half,  the-co!on:es  had  been 
left  to  themselves  as  to  taxation  ;  their  own  local  assemblies  had 
provided  the  necessary  revenues  to  defray  the  expenses  of  their 

fovernments  ;  and  the  parliament  of  Great  Britain  had  neither 
irectly  or  indirectly  ever  attempted  to  derive  a  dollar  of  reve 
nue  from  America  ;  although  various  acts  had  from  time  to 
time  been  passed,  regulating  the  trade  and  commerce  of  the 
colonies,  yet  none  of  these  were  designed  or  regarded,  either  in 
Britain  or  America,  as  revenue  laws. 

But  in  an  inauspicious  moment,  the  British  ministry  con 
ceived  the  idea  of  taxing  the  colonies,  under  the  pretence  of 
providing  for  their  protection,  but  in  reality  to  relieve  the  na 
tion  from  the  immense  debt,  the  weight  of  which  hung  heavily 
upon  it.  This  iniquitous  scheme,  originating-  with  the  cabinet 
was  easily  introduced  into  parliament  ;  and  in  March,  1764,  as 
a  prelude  to  (he  memorable  Stamp  Act,  the  house  of  commons 
resolved,  "  That  towards  further  defraying  the  necessary  ex 
penses  of  protecting  the  colonies,  it  nuy  be  necessary  to  charge 
certain  stamp  duties  upon  them;''  and  this  resolution  was  follow 
ed  by  what  was  commonly  called  the  Sugar  Act,  passed  on  tha 
5th  of  April,  and  introduced  by  the  following  truly  alarming 
preamble  : — "  Whereas  it  ifju^t  and  necessary  that  a  revenue 
be  raised  in  America,  for  defraying  the  expenses  of  defending, 
protecting  and  securing  the  same  ;  we,  the  commons,  &c.  to 
wards  raising  the  same,  give  and  ^  rant  unto  your  majesty,  af 
ter  the  29ih  day  of  September,  1764,  on  clayed  sugar,  indigo 
and  coffee,  of  foreign  produce,  [and  various  other  article:?]  the 
eum  of,"  &C.  This  was  the  first  act.  adopted  by  parliament,  for 
the  avowed  object  of  raising  a  ivvtMiue  in  the  colonies.  The 
justice  of  this  measure,  which  appeared  so  clear  to  the  I3,itish 
parliament,  was  regarded  in  America  as  oppression  and  ty run 
ny  ^  and  occasioned  great  excitement  and  alarm.  The  decep 
tive  pretension,  that  the  revenue  was  to  be  raised  fir  the  pur 
pose  of  protecting  the  colonies,  was  o-ily  adding  iosulr  to  in 
justice  ;  as  the  colonies  supposed  that  they  were  capable  of 
protecting  themselves,  anjl  they  apprehended  that  the  ohj^.-t 
was  rather  under  the  pretence  of  afford, n^  them  projection,  to 
maintain  a  military  force  in  America,  for  the  purpose  ofJrauoon- 
ing  them  into  submission,  and  enforcing  an  unconstitutional  sys 
tem  of  taxation  ;  thereby  rendering  them  the  instruments  of 
forging  their  own  chains.  This  act  was  rendered  more  di»- 


144  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

gusting,  by  a  provision  that  the  money  raised  by  it  must  be  paid 
in  specie,  and  another,  that  those  charged  with  having  violated 
the  revenue  laws,  might  be  prosecuted  in  the  courts  of  admi 
ralty  ;  whereby  they  were  deprived  of  the  privilege  of  trial  by 
a  jury,  and  were  liable  to  be  condemned  by  a  single  officer  of 
the  crown,  whose  salary  was  to  be  paid  from  the  very  forfeit 
ures  decreed  by  himself.  And  this  was  not  all,  or  even  the 
worst;  as  the  trial  was  conducted  on  such  principles,  that  the 
accused,  contrary  to  the  well  known  maxims  of  the  common 
law,  and  repugnant  to  every  idea  of  justice,  was  obliged  to 
prove  himself  innocent,  or  suffer  the  penalties  of  the  law.  These 
iniquitous  proceedings  destroyed  all  security  of  property,  and 
left  every  one  at  the  mercy  of  the  minions  of  the  British  crown. 
Their  pernicious  influence  was  soon  felt  extensively  in  the  ccjo- 
nies,  they  no  longer  regarded  Great  Britain  as  an  affectionate 
mother,  but  viewed  herin  the  light  of  a  selfish,  cruel  and  impe 
rious  step-mother.  The  designs  of  I  he  ministry  were  penetra 
ted,  and  occasioned  great  alarm,  which  spread  wider  and  wi 
der,  until  it  became  universal.  The  press,  that  great  engine  of 
truth  and  liberty,  was  called  into  requisition  ;  the  subject  was 
ably  and  elaborately  discussed  ;  and  tlie  more  it  was  discussed, 
and  the  belter  it  was  understood,  the  more  strong  and  deter 
mined  the  opposition  became.  All  the  colonies  petitioned  and 
remonstrated  against  these  obnoxious  rnea  urcs,  and  most  of 
them  appointed  agents  to  present  their  memprialsto  parliament, 
or  the  king. 

But  notwithstanding  the  excitement  and  opposition  in  Ame 
rica,  and  the  remonstrances  of  the  colonies,  Mr.  Grenville, 
who  was  at  the  head  of  the  treasury,  prepared  the  Stamp-Bill, 
and  introduced  it  into  parliament  in  February,  1765;  and  al 
though  opposed  with  all  the  powers  of  eloquence,  by  Alderman 
Beck;ord,  Mr.  Jackson,  Colonel  Barre,  Sir  William  Meredith 
and  others,  it  was  adopted  by  a  great  majority ;  fifty  only  vot 
ing1  in  opposition,  out  of  about  three  hundred  members,  who 
were  present.  On  the  second  reading  of  the  bill,  various  peti 
tions,  not  only  from  the  colonies,  but  from  the  London  mer 
chants  interested  in  the  American  trade,  were  pi  evented  ;  but 
the  petitions  were  not  even  received,  being  refused,  on  the 
plea  that  no  memorial  could  be  received  on  a  money  bill. 
Having  passed  both  houces  of  parliament,  on  the  22d  of  March, 
the  Stamp- Act  received  the  royal  assent.  Dr.  Franklin,  then 
in  England,  as  agent  for  Pennsylvania,  wrote  to  ChurleJ 
Thompson,  afterwards  secretary  of  congress — C1  The  sun  of 
liberty  is  set;  you  must  light  up  the  lamps  of  industry  and 
economy."  Mr.  Thompson,  in  a  spirited  reply, observed,  "  That  ' 
he  thought  other  lights  would  be  lighted  up  to  resist  these  un 
constitutional  measures."  It  is  unnecessary  to  add,  that  this 
prediction  was  toon  fulfilled. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  145 

This  unjust  and  impolitic  act  was  the  first  great  cause  which 
led  to  the  American  revolution  ;  indeed  it  was  substantially  the 
first  scene  in  the  bloody  drama  of  that  revolution.  It  was  pas 
sed  in  parliament,  on  the  7th  of  February,  1765,  under  the  min 
istry  of  Lord  Grenville,  and  was  repealed  on  the  18th  of  March, 
1766,  from  the  influence  of  Mr.  Pitt.  This  period  of  thirteen 
months  was  the  most  eventful  and  tumultuous  of  any  which 
had  hitherto  occurred  ;  the  apprehensions  of  the  people  were 
roused  to  the  highest  pitch,  and  the  most  determined  spirit  of 
opposition  prevailed  throughout  the  colonies.  The  Americans 
had  not  believed  that  the  act  would  be  passed,  and  on  receiv 
ing  the  intelligence,  every  one  was  struck  with  astonishment, 
and  filled  with  consternation  ;  they  looked  at  each  other  with 
amazement,  and  for  a  short  interval,  hesitated  what  course  to 
pursue  ;  but  soon  recovering  from  their  consternation,  they  de 
termined  not  to  submit  to  such  a  flagrant  outrage  on  their 
rights.  In  Boston,  the  ships  in  the  harbor,  in  token  of  the 
deepest  mourning,  suspended  their  colours  half-mast  high;  the 
bells  were  rung  muffled  ;  and  the  obnoxious  act.  with  a  death's 
head  in  front  of  it,  with  the  motto — "Thejolly  of  England  and 
the  ruin  of  America,"  was  carried  in  solemn  procession  about 
the  streets.  The  discontents  soon  spread  throughout  the  colo 
nies,  and  the  opposition  became  general  and  determined  ;  the 
spirit  of  the  people  gave  a  tone  to  the  colonial  assemblies,  and 
bold  and  decided  resolutions  were  adopted  against  the  iniqui 
tous  scheme  of  parlimentary  taxation.  Virginia  took  the  lead, 
and  ontheSSthof  May,  1765,  Patrick  Henry  introduced  his  cel 
ebrated  resolutions  into  the  house  of  burgesses,  which  de 
clared  that  the  inhabitants  of  that  colony  were  entitled  to,  and 
had  possessed  and  enjoyed  all  the  rights,  liberties  and  privi 
leges  of  the  people  of  Great  Britain  ;  that  the  general  assem 
bly  of  the  colony  had  always  exercised  and  alone  possessed  the 
power  to  levy  taxes  and  imposts  on  the  inhabitants  of  the  colo 
ny,  and  that  they  "  were  not  bound  to  yield  obedience  to  any 
law  or  ordinance  whatsoever,  designed  to  impose  any  taxation 
whatever  upon  them  other  than  the  law  and  ordinances  of  the 
general  assembly."  So  bold  and  unexpected  were  these  resolu 
tions,  that  whilst  they  were  reading,  one  of  the  members  cried 
out  *'  treason  !  treason  !" 

These  resolutions  were  communicated  to  all  the  colonies,  and 
the  spirit  they  breathed  spread  from  one  legislature  to  another, 
and  their  sentiments  were  reiterated  in  resolutions  adopted  by 
the  legislatures  and  the  freemen  in  public  meetings.  Commit 
tees  were  appointed,  by  the  assemblies  of  the  colonies,  to  cor 
respond  with  each  other,  and  to  meet  for  consultation  ;  the  ob 
ject  of  which  was  to  secure  harmony  of  feeling  and  concert  of 
a«tion.  These  measures  had  a  very  happy  effect;  in  the  menn 
13 


146  ;     UNIVERSAL    HISTORY  OF 

time,  the  press  teemed  with  constant  publications,  vindicating 
the  rights  of  the  colonies  ;  and  many  of  them  were  of  a  highly 
inflammatory  character,  calculated  to  raise  thepublic  mind  to  the 
highest  pitch.  The  pulpit  also,  particularly  in  New-England, 
labored  in  the  same  cause  with  great  zeal  and  effect  ;  the  flame 
of  liberty  kindled  from  breast  to  breast,  and  spread  from  prov 
ince  to  province,  until  the  conflagration  became  general.  The 
spirit  of  opposition  ran  so  high  as  to  break  out  into  acts  ef  tu 
mult  and  disorder.  In  Boston  the  effigy  of  Mr.  Oliver,  the  stamp 
master,  was  burnt  and  his  house  assailed,  partly  demolished, 
and  his  furniture  destroyed  ;  and  soon  after,  the  house  of  Wil 
liam  £torer,  deputy-regisler  of  the  court  of  admiralty,  was  at 
tacked,  and  the  books  and  files  of  the  court  destroyed  ;  and  the 
house  of  Benjamin  Hallowell,  comptroller  of  the  customs, 
shared  ihe  same  fate.  These  outrages  were  followed  by  a 
more  bold  and  daring  attack  upon  the  dwelling  of  Mr.  Hutch- 
inson,  lieutenant-governor  of  the  province  ;  be  was  obliged  to 
flee  to  save  his  lii'e,  and  his  house  was  entirely  demolished,  ex 
cept  the  walls,  and  every  thing  in  it  destroyed  or  carried  off. 
Similar  outrages  were  committed  in  other  places.  In  Connec 
ticut,  Mr.  Ingersoll,  the  stamp  officer,  was  burnt  in  effigy  in 
many  towns  ;  and  whilst  he  was  proceeding  from  New  Haven 
to  Hartford,  where  the  assembly  was  in  session,  he  was  pursu 
ed  and  overtaken  by  a  large  concourse  of  people,  some  from 
more  than  thirty  miles,  and  compelled  to  resign  his  office,  which, 
was  followed  by  three  hearty  cheers  of  liberty  and  property. 
This  took  place  at  Wethersfield,  from  whence  the  people,  who 
were  headed  by  militia  officers,  proceeded  to  Hartford,  where 
Mr.  Ingersoll  was  compelled  to  read  his  res.gnation  in  the  hear 
ing  of  the  assembly,  which  was  succeeded  by  loud  acclama 
tions  of  liberty  and  property.  In  New  York  the  stamp  officer 
was  compelled  to  resign,  and  Lieutenant  Governor  Coldea  was 
burnt  in  effigy,  with  a  stamp  bill  in  his  hand,  suspended  from 
his  own  coach,  and  the  whole  was  consumed  together. 

In  the  southern  colonies,  the  public  feeling  did  not  lead  to 
the  same  excesses  ;  but  in  all  of  them,  means  were  found  to 
compel  the  stamp  officers  to  resign  ;  and  in  all  the  colonies  the 
assemblies  adopted  resolutions  in  opposition  to  the  stamp 
act,  although  in  mauy  of  them  the  ro}  al  governors  prorogued 
and  attempted  to  stop  their  proceedings.  The  members  of  the 
colonial  assemblies  were  animated  and  encouraged  by  the  peo 
ple,  who,  in  most  of  the  towns,  instructed  them  to  oppose  the 
stamp  act.  But  the  most  important  measure  to  unite  the  colo 
nies  and  give  energy  and  effect  to  their  opposition,  was  con 
vening  a  continental  congress,  consisting  of  deputies  appointed 
by  each  colony.  This  measure  was  first  proposed  by  the  assem 
bly  of  Massachusetts.  The  meeting  was  appointed  to  be  hoi- 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  147 

den  in  New  York,  in  October,  1765.  All  the  colonies,  except 
New  Hampshire,  Virginia,  North  Carolina,  and  Georgia,  sent 
deputies  ;  the  three  last  of  these  colonies  were  prevented  by 
their  governors,  and  tUe  first  excused  itself  on  account  of  its  pe 
culiar  situation.  The  congress,  after  mature  deliberation; 
adopted  a  declaration  of  rights,  and  a  statement  of  the  grievan 
ces  of  the  colonies,  and  asserted  in  the  strongest  terms,  their 
exemption  from  all  taxes  not  imposed  by  their  own  represen 
tatives.  It  also  prepared  a  petition  to  the  house  of  commons. 

As  the  first  of  November,  the  time  when  the  stamp-act  was 
to  go  into  operation,  approached,  pnblic  feeling  became  still 
stronger,  and  was  excited  to  the  utmost  to  prevent  the  execu 
tion  of  the  law.  In  New  York,  ten  boxes  of  stamps,  which  had 
arrived  tliere  for  Connecticut,  were  seized  by  the  populace  and 
burned  ;  and  in  other  ports,  the  masters  of  vessels,  which 
brought  out  stamps,  were  compelled  to  return  with  their  de 
testable  cargoes,  or  deliver  them  up  to  the  people  to  be  destroy 
ed.  In  Boston  and  many  of  the  principal  towns,  the  first  of 
November  was  kept  as  a  day  of  mourning  and  deep  distress  ; 
all  the  shops  were  shut,  the  bells  were  tolled  muffled,  and  the 
effigies  of  the  authors  and  abettors  of  the  act  were  carried  in 
procession  through  the  streets,  and  then  torn  to  pieces  and  con 
sumed  by  the  flames. 

The  lawyers  of  the  supreme  court  in  New  Jersey  resolved 
that  they  would  not  purchase  the  stamps  in  their  professional 
business,  and  that  they  wonld  relinquish  their  practice  as  a  sac 
rifice  to  the  public  good  ;  and  the  principal  merchants  in  the 
colonies,  and  great  numbers  of  other  classes  of  the  inhabitants, 
entered  into  solemn  engagements  not  only  to  refuse  to  use  the 
stamps,  but  also  not  to  import  any  more  goods  from  Great  Brit 
ain  until  the  stamp  act  should  be  repealed.  Associations  were 
formed,  called  the  "  Sons  of  Liberty,"  the  object  of  which  was, 
to  assist  and  protect  with  force,  if  necessary,  every  one  who 
might  be  in  danger  front  his  resistance  or  opposition  to  the 
stamp  act.  This  bold  association  originated  in  New  York,  and 
prevailed  throughout  New  England,  and,  bad  not  the  act  been 
repealed,  must  have  led  to  civil  war.  The  restrictive  meas 
ures  produced  distress  and  tumults  in  England  ;  large  numbers 
of  the  manufactures  beingthrown  out  of  employment,  and  more 
than  foity  thousand,  with  black  flags,  appeared  in  the  streets  ;n 
London,  and  surrounded  the  royal  palace  and  parliament  house. 
Fortunately  a  change  of  ministry  took  place,  in  consequence  of 
what  was  called  the  regency  bill,  and  L«rd  Grenville  was  suc 
ceeded  by  the  Marquis  of  Rockirigham,  as  first  lord  of  the  treas 
ury,  and  the  Duke  of  Grafton  and  General  Conway  wero  ap 
pointed  secretaries  of  state.  In  January  the  parliament  met  ; 
tbe  affairs  of  America  occupied  the  principal  attention,  and  the 


148  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

first  talents  of  the  house  were  engaged  in  the  discussion.  Mr. 
Pitt,  who  had  been  confined  to  his  bed  by  sickness,  when  the 
stamp  act  was  passed,  now  came  forward  as  the  great  cham 
pion  of  the  rights  of  the  Americans,  and  with  his  manly  and  all 
powerful  eloquence,  opposed  the  unjust,  unconstitutional,  and 
dangerous  measure  ;  he  even  justified  the  Americans  in  their 
resistance  of  an  act  of  tyranny  and  oppression.  After  a  long 
and  animated  discussion,  the  act  was  repealed,  accompanied, 
however,  with  a  declaration,  "  that  the  king  and  parliament 
had,  and  of  right  ought  to  have,  full  power  and  authority  to 
make  laws  and  statutes  of  sufficient  force  to  bind  the  colonies, 
and  his  majesty's  subjects  in  them,  in  all  cases  whatsoever." 
An  act  of  indemnity  was  also  passed. 

The  repeal  of  the  obnoxious  act  occasioned  universal  joy, 
both  in  Great  Britain  and  America  ;  the  ships  in  the  Thames 
displayed  their  colours,  and  the  whole  city  of  London  was  illu 
minated  ;  and  in  the  colonies,  notwithstanding  the  declaratory 
act,  asserting  the  principle  of  taxation,  the  joy  and  rejoicings 
were  uoiveisal  ;  the  nonimportation  resolutions  were  rescin 
ded  ;  animosities,  ill  treatment,  and  every  thing  nast,  were  for 
gotten,  and  commercial  intercourse  with  Great  Britain  was  re 
sumed  with  greater  activity  than  ever  before  had  been  witness 
ed.  The  colonies  hoped  and  believed,  that  harmony,  would 
now  be  restored,  and  did  every  thing  in  their  power  to  promote 
this  desirable  object.  But  the  officers  of  the  crown,  the  min 
ions  of  power,  and  the  expectants  of  place,  kept  up  a  correspon 
dence  with  the  officers  of  the  British  government  at  home,  and 
attempted  to  promote  their  own  selfish  views  by  misrepresent 
ing  their  countrymen.  Governor  Bernard,  of  Massachusetts, 
was  the  head  of  this  party,  which  contributed  so  much  to  breed 
difficulties  and  bring  matters  to  a  crisis.  Notwithstanding 
that  the  declaratory  act  still  hung  over  the  heads  of  the  colo 
nies,  like  a  portentous  cloud,  it  was  not  generally  expected  that 
the  British  government  would  very  soon  make  another  so  dan 
gerous  an  experiment.  But  these  reasonable  expectations, 
however,  soon  proved  to  be  fallacious,  and  all  reliance  on  the 
justice  or  liberality  of  Britain,  were  found  to  be  deceptive  and 
dangerous.  Notwithstanding  the  distraction  into  which  the 
colonies  had  been  thrown,  by  the  stamp  act,  within  a  few 
months  after  its  repeal,  and  before  the  wounds  it  had  occasion 
ed  had  had  time  to  heal,  the  chancellor  of  the  exchequer, 
Charles  Townsend,  came  forward  with  a  new  scheme  of  tax 
ing  America,  and  was  so  sanguine  in  his  views,  that  lie 
pledged  his  character  for  the  success  of  the  project.  The 
new  revenue  scheme  was,  to  takeoff  the  duties  on  teas,  which 
were  paid  in  Great  Britain,  and  to  levy  three  pence  per  pound 
on  all  that  was  purchased  in  America,  and  also  a  duty  on  pa- 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  149 

per,  glass  and  several  other  articles.  A  board  of  customs  was 
established,  and  commissioners  appointed  to  set  in  Boston  to  col 
lect  the  duties;  and  the  custom-officers  were  to  be  paid  from 
the  revenue  thus  rajsed  ;  and  the  governor,  judges  of  the  supe 
rior  court,  and  other  officers  in  Massachusetts,  who  had  hith 
erto  been  dependant  for  their  salaries  on  the  assembly,  to  ron- 
der  them  independent  of  the  people,  and  more  devoted  to  Great 
Britain,  were  also  to  be  paid  from  these  revenues.  And  to 
carry  the  iniquitous  system  into  effect  (as  unjust  laws  can  on 
ly  be  enforced  by  unjust  means,)  the  powers  of  the  court  of 
admiralty  were  greatly  extended,  so  as  to  deprive  the  people  of 
trial  by  jury  in  prosecutions  for  violating  the  revenue  laws. 
Writs  of  Assistance,  as  they  were  called,  issued  by  the  gover 
nor,  or  any  officer  of  the  revenue,  authorised  searching  the 
liouse  of  the  most  respectable  inhabitant  in  the  province,  on 
suspicion  of  the  concealment  of  contraband  or  smuggled  goods. 
When  intelligence  of  these  new  parliamentary  regulations 
reached  America,  they  occasioned  universal  astonishment,  and 
revived  all  the  excitement  and  alarm  which  prevailed  during 
the  stamp  act.  In  the  tninds  of  reflecting  men  they  were  re 
garded  as  more  dangerous  than  that  obnoxious  act,  as  an  indi 
rect  and  disguised  system  of  taxation  had  a  more  certain  and 
fatal  tendency  to  undermine  the  liberties  and  enslave  the  peo 
ple,  than  direct  taxes.  The  colonies,  assailed  by  the  same  in 
juries,  had  recourse  to  their  former  measures  of  complaint  and 
supplication  ;  but  their  petitions  were  not  even  read,  and  their 
remonstrances  treated  with  contempt,  thus  adding  insult  to  in 
justice.  These  accumulated  injuries  and  indignities  aroused 
the  fears  and  spirit  of  the  colonies;  and  a  circular  letter,  ad 
dressed  to  the  other  colonies,  by  the  assembly  of  Massachusetts, 
contributed  to  diffuse  the  flame  and  lead  to  concert  of  action. 
This  letter  was  dated  the  1 1th  of  February,  1768,  and  the  sen 
timents  it  contained  were  reiterated  by  most  of  the  colonial  as 
semblies.  From  the  bold  and  determined  conduct  of  the  as 
sembly  of  Massachusetts,  it  was  prorogued  by  the  governor. 
Another  assembly  was  convened  in  May  following,  to  which 
the  governor,  in  hi1?  first  communication,  insolent!  v  demanded  of 
them,  as  required  by  the  British  Secretary  of  State,  to  rescind 
the  resolutions  of  the  preceding  assembly,  which  led  to  the  cir 
cular  letter,  and  intimated  that  unless  th*y  complied  immedi 
ately,  they  would  be  dissolved  at  once.  But  the  assembly  act 
ed  with  a  firmness  which  became  the  defenders  of  liberty  ;  and 
instead  of  complying  with  this  haughty  mandate,  petitioned  tha 
king  for  the  removal  of  the  royal  governor,  and  charged  upon 
him  a  long  catalogue  of  crimes.  The  governor,  exasperated  at 
their  conduct,  immediately  dissolved  the  mutinous  assembly, 
and  applied  to  the  commander  in  chief  of  the  king's  troops, 
13* 


150  UNIVERSAL    HISTORY  OF 

then  in  New  York,  to  have  several  additional  regiments  sent  to 
Boston.  Alarmed  at  these  circumstances,  the  inhabitants  of 
Boston  besought  the  governor  to  convene  another  assembly  ; 
but  he  treated  their  request  with  contempt.  The  crisis  requi 
red  something'  to  be  done,  without  delay,  and  accordingly,  let 
ters  were  written  to  every  town  in  the  colony,  requesting  the 
appointment  of  delegates  to  meet  in  convention  at  Boston,  be 
fore  the  arrival  of  the  troops.  Delegates  from  ninety  six  towns 
met  on  the  22d  of  September.  The  governor  instantly  sent 
them  an  angry  message,  commanding  them  to  disperse,  threat 
ening,  in  case  of  refusal,  that  they  would  suffer  the  consequence 
of  their  temerity.  The  convention,  however,  was  not  frightened 
into  submission,  but  gave  their  reasons  for  convening,  continued 
.their  deliberations,  and  prepared  a  petition  to  the  king. 

On  the  first  of  October,  the  troops  arrived  and  landed ;  and, 
gword  in  hand,  paraded  through  the  streets  of  Boston,  which 
v  ere  filled  uith  vast  crowds,  who  with  sullen  silence,  denoting 
the  deepest  resentment,  witnessed  this,  the  first  act  in  the  great 
.and  bloody  drama  about  to  be  performed.  No  tumult  or  resist 
ance  however,  ensued,  notwithstanding  the  troops  were  quarter 
ed  i?)  the  houses  of  the  inhabitants.  The  assembly  met  in  May, 
1769,  and  immediately  adopted  several  spirited  resolutions; 
that  the  placing  an  armed  force  where  the  legislature  was  con 
vened,  to  overawe  their  deliberations,  was  a  breach  of  privilege, 
and  that  the  quartering  of  troops  on  tiie  inhabitants  in  time  of 
peace,  was  illegal,  and  a  violation  of  the  rights  and  liberties  of 
British  subjects. 

A  standing  army  was  now  stationed  in  the  capital  of  Massa 
chusetts,  for  the  avowed  object  of  coercing  the  inhabitants  into 
submission  ;  their  commerce  fettered,  their  characters  traduced, 
the  assembly  prevented  from  meeting,  and  the  petitions  of  all 
classes  to  have  the  assembly  convened,  treated  with  contempt 
by  an  insolent  governor,  who  threatened  to  augment  the  troops, 
and  enforce  at  all  hazards,  his  arbitrary  and  tyrannical  mea 
sures  ;  it  cannot  be  surprising  that  the  fears  and  exasperations 
of  the  people  exceeded  what  had  ever  been  witnessed  before. 
At  this  alarming1  conjuncture,  something  must  be  done,  and 
there  was  no  other  alternative  but  submission  or  resistance,  as 
petitions  had  been  treated  with  such  contempt,  that  to  memo 
rialize  any  branch  of  the  British  government  would  be  equiva 
lent  to  submission  ;  and  there  were  but  two  ways  of  resistance, 
either  an  appeal  to  the  sword,  or  an  entire  suspension  of  ail 
commercial  intercourse  with  Great  Britain,  which,  as  was  said 
by  Mr.  Pitt  iu  his  speech,  furnished  the  means  whereby  Britain 
had  carried  on  the  war  with  France,  and  which  if  continued, 
would  afford  the  means  of  their  own  oppression.  As  all  the 
Colonies  were  involved  in  one  common  danger,  they  readily 
entered  into  the  most  solemn  engagements,  that  no  British  or 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  15 1 

India  goods  should  be  imported,  except  a  few  specified  arti 
cles  of  necessary  use.  The  effects  of  these  arrangements  were 
soon  felt  in  England,  and  produced  clamors,  and  even  tumults 
in  some  parts  of  the  kingdom.  But  the  partisans  of  the  crown 
in  America,  endeavoured  by  their  correspondence,  to  induce 
the  ministry  to  persevere  in  their  oppressive  measures,  and  re 
presented  in  the  strongest  terms,  that  the  interruption  of  com 
merce  was  only  an  effort  of  desperation,  which  could  not  last 
long.  They  ad'vised  the  ministry,  to  purchase  large  quantities 
of  goods,  designed  for  the  American  market,  and  also  to  allow 
the  merchants  engaged  in  the  American  trade,  a  premium 
equal  to  the  profits  of  their  stock  in  business.  **  If  these  mea 
sures  are  adopted,"  said  Mr.  Oliver,  secretary  in  Massachu 
setts,  in  one  of  his  letters,  "  the  game  will  soon  be  up  with  my 
countrymen." 

The  assembly  which  convened  at  Boston  in  May,  set  several 
weeks  without  doing  any  business,  as  they  refused  to  act  as 
long  as  an  armed  force  was  quartered  in  the  town,  and  sur 
rounded  the  h"use  where  they  were  in  session ;  they  were 
finally  adjourned  to  Cambridge.  They  sent  several  messages 
to  the  governor  to  have  the  troops  removed,  but  after  evading 
the  matter  for  ?ome  time,  he  declared  that  he  had  no  authority 
over  the  king's  troops;  thus  admitting  that  the  military  was 
above  the  civil  power  in  the  province.  Governor  Bernard  sent 
a  provoking-  message,  stating  the  expenditures  of  quartering 
the  troops  on  the  town,  and  requesting  that  provision  be  made 
for  the  payment  of  the  same,  and  also  for  their  future  support  ; 
the  assembly  were  thus  called  on  to  maintain  the  instruments 
bv  which  they  were  to  be  oppressed  ami  enslaved.  But  instead 
of  Complying  with  this  request,  they  passed  several  spirited 
resolutions,  censuring  the  conduct  of  the  governor  and  General 
Gage,  for  their  rash  an  I  oppressive  measures,  their  wanton 
violations  of  the  constitution,  tl  e  introduction  of  a  standing  ar 
my  in  time  of  peace,  and  r.heir  encroachments  on  the  liberties 
of  the  citizens  and  of  the  province.  The  governor  had  re 
ceived  an  order  to  repair  to  England,  and  lay  before  the  king 
the  state  of  the  colony  ;  which  he  communicated  to  the  assem 
bly,  with  a  request  that  his  salary  might  be  continued  during 
his  absence,  as  his  office  would  remain.  But  the  assembly  in 
formed  him  in  decided  terms,  that  they  couH  not  comply  with 
either  of  his  requests.  On  receiving  this  answer,  be  immedi 
ately,  after  a  short,  angry,  and  threatening  speech,  prorogued 
the  legislature.  He  soon  after  set  sail  for  Europe,  then  littla 
thinking  that  he  should  nev*  r  return  to  a  country  that  by  his 
violent  temper  and  arbitrary  conduct,  he  had  brought  to  the 
brink  of  civil  war.  His  reception  at  court  convinced  the  Ame 
ricana  of  the  truth  of  what  they  feared,  that  the  governor  had 


152  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

been  sent  for,  as  a  mischievous  emissary,  rather  than  for  an 
impartial  inquiry  into  the  real  situation  of  the  province,  or  an 
investigation  of  his  own  conduct. 

Thomas  Hntchinson,  the  lieutenant-governor,  was  appointed 
to  succeed  Governor  Bernard.  Hutchinson  was  a  native  of 
Boston,  and  had  run  a  career  of  popularity  ;  whilst,  however, 
he  was  courting  the  people  at  home,  he  was  not  less  assiduous 
in  ingratiating  himself  into  the  favor  of  the  British  government, 
by  misrepresenting  his  countrymen.  He  was  artful  and  plausi 
ble,  and  possessed  or'  popular  talents;  but  was  insidious,  dark, 
intriguing  and  ambitious;  and  the  extreme  of  avarice  marked 
every  feature  of  his  character.  His  appointment  was  announc 
ed  at  the  close  of  the  year  1769.  He  immediately  assumed  a 
more  haughty  tone,  and  aimed  at  more  high  handed  measures 
than  his  predecessor,  and  commenced  his  administration  by  in 
forming  the  assembly  that  he  was  independent  of  them  and  the 
people,  as  his  majesty  had  made  provision  for  his  salary.  Se 
cure  of  the  favor  of  his  sovereign,  he  treated  the  people  and 
the  assembly  with  contempt,  and  answered  their  repeated  so 
licitations  to  remove  the  troops  from  the  capital,  by  withdraw 
ing  the  garrison  from  a  strong  fortress  in  the  harbour  of  Bos 
ton,  who  were  in  the  pay  of  tlie  province,  and  replacing  them 
by  two  regiments  of  the  king's  troops.  The  ebullitions  of  po 
pular  feeling,  were  so  high  as  to  occasion  great  alarm  with  the 
leading  patriots,  that  it  would  break  out  into  acts  of  violence, 
which  might  injure  the  cause  of  the  people.  The  miserable 
minions  or  power  in  America,  endeavored  to  promote  this  re 
sult,  and  openly  avowed,  "  that  the  only  method  to  restore 
tranquillity,  was  to  take  off  the  original  incendiaries,  whose; 
writing  had  instilled  the  poison  of  sedition  into  the  people." 
James  Otis,  the  most  active,  bold,  and  influential  patriot  of  the 
day,  having  published  under  his  proper  signature,  some  severe 
strictures  on  the  conduct  oi  the  officers  of  the  crown,  was  as 
saulted  in  a  public  room,  by  a  band  of  hired  ruffians,  with 
swords  and  bludgeons;  and  being  covered  with  wounds,  was 
left  for  dead.  The  assassins  made  their  escape,  and  took  re 
fuge  oo  board  the  king's  ships  in  the  harbor.  Mr.  Otis  surviv 
ed,  but  the  lamp  of  bis  understanding  which  had  glowed  with 
such  effulgence,  was  overcast  with  clouds  arid  darkness.  Mr. 
John  Adams  says  that  he  "laid  the  foundation  of  the  American 
revolution,  with  an  energy,  and  with  those  masterly  talents 
which  no  other  man  possessed  ;"  and  he  is  justly  considered  aa 
the  first  martyr  to  American  liberty. 

The  insults  which  the  inhabitants  constantly  experienced, 
from  the  soldiers,  increased  their  animosity  towards  them  to 
•uch  a  degree,  as  to  le,ad  to  violence  and  blood-shad.  On  the 
•scond  of  March,  1770,  an  affray  took  place  between  a  party 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  153 

of  soldiers  of  the  29th  regiment,  and  some  rope-makers,  in 
front  of  Mr.  Gray's  rope- walk.  This  was  followed  by  a  more 
alarming  outrage  on  the  5th :  the  indignant  populace  pressed 
upon  and  insulted  the  soldiers,  while  under  arms,  and  assailed 
them  with  clubs,  sticks  and  snow-balls,  covering  stones.  Be 
ing  dared  to  fire  by  the  mob,  six  of  the  soldiers  discharged 
their  muskets,  which  killed  three  of  the  citizens,  and  wounded 
five  others.  The  effect  of  this  was  electric;  the  town  was  in 
stantly  in  commotion,  and  the  mass  of  the  people  were  so  ex 
asperated,  that  it  required  the  utmost  exertions  to  prevent 
their  rallying  and  driving  the  British  myrmidons  out  of  town; 
and  nothing  but  an  assurance  that  the  troops  should  be  with 
drawn,  prevented  this  resort  to  force.  The  captain  of  the 
party  and  eight  men  were  brought  to  trial ;  two  of  the  men 
were  found  guilty;  the  captain  and  the  other  men  were  ac 
quitted.  A  general  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  was  immediate 
ly  assembled  in  Faneuil  Hall,  who  unanimously  resolved  that 
no  armed  force  should  be  suffered  longer  to  reside  in  the  capi 
tal;  and  a  committee  was  appointed  to  wait  on  the  governor, 
and  request  the  immediale  removal  of  the  troops.  The  go 
vernor  refused  to  act,  under  pretence  of  want  of  authority  ; 
but  Colonel  Dalrymple,  alarmed  at  the  state  of  things,  pro 
posed  to  withdraw  the  29th  regiment,  which  was  more  culpa 
ble  than  any  other  ;  but  he  was  informed  that  not  a  soldier 
should  be  left  in  town  ;  he  was  reluctantly  compelled  to  com 
ply,  and  within  four  days  not  a  Red-coat  remained.  This  tra 
gical  affair  produced  tiie  deepest  impressions  on  the  minds  of 
the  people;  and  the  anniversary  of  the  massacre  of  the  5th  of 
March,  1770,  was  commemorated  for  many  years,  and  orations 
delivered,  which  unfolded  the  blessings  of  civil  liberty,  the 
horrors  of  slavery,  the  dangers  of  standing  armies,  and  the 
rights  of  the  colonies.  These  annual  orations  administered 
fuel  to  the  fire  of  liberty,  and  kept  it  burning  with  an  incessant 
flame,  and  in  no  small  degree  promoted  the  cause  of  the  colo 
nies,  in  a  manner  that  served  to  give  a  deeper  glow  to  the 
flame  of  liberty.  In  the  spring  of  1773,  the  schooner  Gaspee 
was  stationed  at  Providence,  to  prevent  smuggling  ;  and  the 
conduct  of  the  commander  having  exasperated  the  inhabitants, 
two  hundred  men  entered  on  board  the  schooner  at  night,  ;ind 
compelled  the  captain  and  crew  to  go  ashore,  and  then  set  re 
to  the  vessel.  The  government  offered  a  reward  of  five  hun 
dred  pounds,  for  the  apprehension  of  any  of  the  persons  en 
gaged  in  this  outrage  ;  but  such  was  the  spirit  and  unanimity 
of  the  people,  that  this  pecuniary  inducement  produced  no 
effect,  and  the  authors  of  the  outrage  could  not  be  discovered. 
About  this  period,  the  letters  of  Governor  Hutchiuson  and  Mr. 
Oliver,  to  their  friends  in  England,  urging  the  government  to 


154  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

adopt  more  decisive  and  vigorous  measures,  to  coerce  the  colo 
nies  into  submission,  were  discovered  and  sent  back  to  Ameri 
ca  by  Dr.  Franklin,  which,  being  published  by  the  assembly  of 
Massachusetts,  greatly  contributed  to  inflame  the  public  mind, 
and  exasperate  the  people  against  these  officers  of  the  crown, 
who  were  justly  charged  with  having  shamefully  betrayed 
their  trust,  and  the  people,  whose  rights  it  was  their  duty  vigi 
lantly  to  guard.  Whilst  the  other  duties  were  repealed,  that 
on  tea  was  retained,  for  the  sole  and  avowed  object  of  main 
taining  the  power,  which  parliament  had  asserted,  of  collecting 
a  revenue  in  America.  The  ministerial  scheme  was  cunning 
and  artful ;  but  did  not,  in  the  least  degree,  deceive  the  vigi 
lance  of  the  Americans.  The  object  was  to  cheat  the  colonies 
out  of  their  rights,  by  collecting  an  indirect,  imperceptible 
duty,  little  more  than  nominal  in  amount,  which,  however,  if 
acquiesced  in,  would  have  been  an  admission  of  the  principle 
or  right  of  Britain  to  raise  a  revenue  in  America.  It  was  an 
attempt  to  obtain,  covertly  and  by  fraud ,  what  they  had  at 
tempted,  but  fulled  to  obtain,  openly  by  force.  In  the  first 
place,  measures  were  adopted,  openly  and  explicitly,  for  taxing 
the  colonies,  the  duties  to  be  paid  directly  by  the  consumer; 
but  being  unable  to  enforce  this  act,  it  was  repealed,  accompani 
ed  with  a  declaration  of  the  right  of  parliament  to  tax  the 
Americans,  in  all  cases  whatsoever.  This  naked  assertion  of 
a  right,  when  the  application  of  it  had  been  attempted  and 
abandoned,  did  not  give  the  Americans  much  concern  :  they 
would  not  have  cared,  if  the  British  had  kept  that  assertion  of 
a  rigid  to  do  wrong  on  their  statute-book,  as  long  as  the  two 
countries  existed,  provided  they  had  not  attempted  to  exercise 
their  assumed  right.  But  the  advocates  of  American  taxation 
seemed  to  be  sensible,  that  the  bare  assertion  of  a  right,  after 
an  unsuccessful  attempt  to  enforce  it,  would  amount  to  but 
little,  and  that  conclusions,  obviously  following  the  abandon 
ment  of  the  first  attempt  to  tax  the  Americans,  would  be  left 
in  their  full  force.  Under  the  circumstances  in  which  the  two 
countries  were  placed,  therefore,  the  right  must  be  enforced, 
or  it  must  be  considered  as  virtually  abandoned.  But  this  had 
been  once  attempted,  without  success ;  a  more  ingenious  mode, 
therefore,  must  be  devised,  or  one  less  likely  to  give  alarm  to 
the  colonies.  The  stamp  duties  were  a  direct  tax,  as  the  duty 
constituted  the  entire  value  of  the  sum  paid ;  but  a  trifling  im 
post  would  not  be  perceived,  as  the  duty  would  scarcely  make 
any  sensible  difference  in  the  price  of  the  article.  The  bitter 
pill,  which  it  was  intended  to  make  the  colonies  swallow,  was 
gilded  with  sugar.  The  duty  was  more  artfully  disguised* 
than  a  simple  impost.  It  was,  in  fact,  no  additional  burden  on 
the  consumers  of  tea,  it  being  only  a  different  mode  of  collect* 


THE   UXITED  STATES.  155 

ing  the  duty  which  had  before  been  paid ;  yet  this  alteration 
of  the  mode  involved  the  right  and  power  of  parliament  to  es 
tablish  a  revenue  system  in  America.  According  to  the  former 
regulations,  the  teas  of  the  India  Company  were  first  brought 
to  England,  where  a  duty  was  paid  before  they  were  sent  to 
the  colonies.  The  scheme  was  merely  to  change  the  place 
and  mode  of  collecting  the  duty  ;  it  was  to  be  paid  in  America, 
instead  of  England ;  for  which  purpose  custom  regulations 
were  established,  and  officers  appointed.  A  duty  of  three  pence 
on  a  pound  of  tea,  would  not  be  felt  by  the  people,  and  this, 
or  rather  a  greater  duty,  had  been  paid  before  in  England  ;  so 
that,  instead  of  the  burdens  of  the  people  being  increased, 
they  were  rather  lightened  by  this  new  regulation.  So  artfully 
disguised  was  this  scheme.  It  is  a  maxim  with  many  politi 
cians,  and  too  generally  correct,  that  the  people  will  not  be 
alarmed  or  excited  by  any  principle,  however  it  may  be  fraught 
with  danger  ;  that  they  must  feel  and  suffer,  before  their  fears 
will  arouse  them  into  action.  But  this  maxim  did  not  hold 
true  with  the  Americans  ;  they  saw  the  danger,  and  resolved 
to  resist,  at  the  hazard  of  their  lives,  a  principle,  calculated  to 
undermine  the  foundation  of  their  liberty  ;  although  its  opera 
tion  at  the  time  was  not  felt,  in  the  slightest  degree.  The  re 
sistance  of  the  Americans  to  the  scheme  of  collecting  a  duty  on 
tea  in  America,  instead  of  England,  was  the  resistance  of  the 
principle  which  that  scheme  involved,  solely  :  as  no  additional 
burden  was  thereby  imposed  on  the  people. 

It  is  believed  that  this  is  the  only  instance  in  history,  of  an 
entire  people  being  roused  to  resistance,  from  measures  which 
were  not  burdensome  or  oppressive  in  their  immediate  opera 
tions,  and  dangerous  only  from  a  principle  on  which  they  were 
founded.  This  consideration  affords  the  highest  evidence  of 
the  intelligence  of  the  Americans,  as  well  as  of  their  extreme 
jealousy  and  vigilance,  in  guarding  their  rights.  That  the  ex 
perienced  poliliciau  should  forsee  the  ultimate  desigrv-astl  ten 
dency  of  measures,  not  immediately  oppressive,  is  natural 
enough;  but  that  the  common  people,  or  rather  the  entire  pop 
ulation  of  a  country  should  bearoused  to  resistance,  ou  account 
of  measures  noi  burdensome  or  oppressive,  but  dangerous  only 
from  the  principle  on  which  they  were  founded,  is  unparalleled. 
It  is  not,  however,  to  be  supposed  that  the  colonists  would  have 
been  so  alarmed  and  aroused  to  such  a  spirit  of  resistance,  by 
the  new  regulations  as  to  tea,  had  it  not  been  for  the  previous 
measures  of  the  parent  country,  evincing,  in  the  clearest  man 
ner,  a  settled  design  to  exercise  the  power  of  taxation  orer 
them.  They  considered  the  new  regulations  as  to  tea,  as  an 
artful  and  disguised  revenue  s\  stem,  although  it  imposed  no  ad 
ditional  duty,  and  they  were  determined  Dot  to  be  cheated  out 


150  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

of  their  liberties,  as  they  had  before  resolved  not  to  be  fright 
ened  out  of  them. 

Measures  were  immediately  adopted  to  prevent  the  introduc 
tion  of  the  tea  into  the  country,  so  as  to  avoid  the  payment  of 
the  duty;  and  such  was  the  strength  and  unanimity  of  public 
opinion,  that  without  the  aid  of  law,  or  rather  in  opposition  to 
law,  they  were  enabled  to  render  their  measures  efficient,  sole 
ly  by  the  force  of  public  sentiment,  although  measures  of  all 
others  the  most  difficult  to  enforce,  as  interfering  both  with 
the  interests  and  the  established  habits  of  the  people.  In  most 
of  the  towns  from  New*Hampshire  to  Georgia,  the  people  as 
sembled  and  resolved  to  discontinue  the  use  of  tea,  which  was 
now  regarded  as  an  herb,  (however  agreeable  as  a  beverage) 
noxious  to  the  political  constitution.  In  the  large  commercial 
towns,  regulations  were  adopted  to  prevent  the  landing  of  tea  ; 
committees4were  appointed  to  inspect  merchant's  books,  propose 
tests,  and  make  use  of  other  means  to  defeat  the  designs  of 
Britain.  Where  it  could  be  done,  the  consignees  of  the  teas, 
were  persuaded  or  compelled  to  resign,  or  to  bind  themselvos 
not  to  act  in  that  capacity.  The  cargo  sent  to  South-Carolina, 
was  stored,  the  consignees  being  constrained  to  enter  into  an 
engagement  not  to  offer  any  for  sale  ;  and  in  many  of  the  colo 
nies,  the  ships  were  compelled  to  return  without  discharging 
their  cargoes.  So  vigorously  were  these  measure  enforcad,  that 
during  one  year,  eighty-five  pounds  was  the  whole  amount 
of  duties  received.  The  teas  consumed  in  the  colonies,  were 
principally  smuggled  into  the  country,  by  the  Dutch  and  French, 
who  were  favored  by  the  inhabitants  in  evading  the  revenue 
laws.  During  the  four  or  five  years  that  the  new  system  had 
been  in  existence,  very  trifling  quantities  of  teas  had  been  in- 
trqduced  into  the  colonies,  and  instead  of  the  restrictive  mea 
sures  being  relaxed  as  was  expected  in  England,  they  increas 
ed  in  vigor  and  efficacy,  and  the  quantity  of  tea  introduced  had 
constantly  diminished. 

AB  had  been  the  ca?e  with  other  matters,  of  difference  be*  . 
tween  the  two  countries,  the  principal  struggle,  growing  out 
of  the  regulations  as  to  tea,  occurred  at  Boston.  The  other 
provinces  had  avoided  the  alternative  which  was  reserved  for 
this,  of  either  suffering  the  teas  to  be  disposed  of,  or  to  destroy 
them,  by  violent  means.  Knowing  the  spirit  of  the  'inhabitants 
of  Boston,  the  India  Company  had  been  more  cautitusas  to  tha 
cargoes  shipped  for  tlirr  port,  than  those  sent  to  the  other  prov 
inces  ;  and  the  zeal  c.f  Covernor  Hutchinson,  and  the  other  of 
ficers  of  the  crown  Thorp,  greatly  *';rpassed  that  of  the  crown 
officers  in  the  other  colonies,  and  was  calculated  to  frustrate 
the  measures  of  the  inhabitants.  The  tea  ships  destined  t« 
Boston,  were  all  consigned  to  the  sous,  cousins,  and  person* 


THE  UNITED   STATES,  35* 

T>ho  were  the  merest  tools  of  Governor  Hutchinson.  When 
called  on  to  resign,  the  only  answer  they  would  give  was, 
"  that  it  was  not  in  their  power."  As  the  consignees  could 
not  be  induced  or  frightened  to  resign,  the  next  plan  was,  to 
compel  the  vessels  to  return  without  landing  their  detestable 
cargoes  ;  but  the  collector  refused  to  give  a  clearance  without 
the  vessels  were  discharged  of  dutiable  articles,  and  the  gov 
ernor  refused  to  give  a  pass  for  the  vessels,  until  they  were 
properly  qualified  from  the  custom  house  ;  and  to  guard  against 
the  vessels  being  taken  possession  of,  and  conducted  out  of  thr- 
harbor,  the  governor  ordered  Admiral  Montague,  who  com 
manded  the  nava!  force,  to  keep  a  vigilant  look  out,  and  to  suf 
fer  no  vessel,  coasters  excepted,  to  pass  the  fortress  from  the 
town,  without  a  pass  signed  by  himself.  The  rigorous  adhe 
rence  to  these  measures,  afforded  great  satisfaction  to  the  gov 
ernor  and  his  minions,  and  all  thp  British  party  ;  they  flattered 
themselves  that  the  "  Sons  of  Lreerty,"  afier  all  their  clamour, 
resolutions,  and  schemes  to  resist  the  tea  system,  were  out- 
managed,  and  that  it  would  be  impossible  for  them  to  prevent 
the  landing  and  sale  of  the  obnoxious  cargoes.  Their  meas 
ures  had  been  planned  so  wisely,  and  their  execution  was  en 
trusted  to  agents  of  such  known  fidelity  to  the  crown,  and 
who  were  under  the  immediate  influence  and  control  of  the 
governor,  they  thought  there  was  not  a  loop-hole  whereby  the 
rebellious  Americans  could  escape  paying  tha  hateful  tax. 
They  did  not  even  dream  that  an  attempt  would  be  made  to 
destroy  or  throw  overboa-d  the  offensive  article,  which  cover 
ed  a  tribute  to  Britain  ;  for  if  they  had,  the  vessels  would  have 
been  guarded.  The  governor,  after  all  he  had  witnessed  and 
experienced,  judging  rattier  from  his  feelings  than  li?  krr.wl- 
edge,  was  entirely  ignoraut  of  public  sentiment,  and  of  the 
spirit  of  the  people  :  he  had  no  idea  that  they  had  determined 
to  resist  the  obnoxious  measure,  at  every  hazard,  even  thnt  of 
life.  Nothing  short  of  this  bold  step,  could  prevent  the  deep 
laid  scheme,  against  the  liberties  of  the  country  from  succeed 
ing.  It  had  been  rendered  impossible  that  the  vessels  should 
return  with  their  cargoes  ;  and  to  surfer  the  tea  to  be  landed 
and  trust  to  the  spirit  and  unanimity  of  the  inhabitants  not  to 
purchase  it,  would  have  been  to  yielc)  the  point;  fora  small 
portion  of  the  citizens  vyerein  favor  of  the  British,  and  would 
of  course  consume  the  article,  and  by  fair  means  or  foul,  it 
would  have  been  distributed  among  others.  And  it  would 
have  been  equally  impracticable  to  prevent  the  tea  from  br-ircr 
landed  ;  the  most  -unwearied  \vatching  day  and  night,  cou!d 
not  prevent  this,  as  it  might  be  conveyed  ashore  by  mail 
quantities  in  boats  in  the  night  season,  and  at  such  places  a*  to 
eseape  the  utmost  vigilance.  Every  other  measure  had  been 
14 


1 58  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

attempted  without  success  ;  the  consignees  had  been  urged  to 
decline  the  commission,  and  a  numerous  public  meeting  of  the 
citizens  had  been  held,  who  presented  a  remonstrance  to  the 
governor,  and  urged  him  to  order  back  the  ships  without  suf 
fering  any  part  of  their  cargoes  to  be  landed.  But  his  answer 
satisfied  them  that  he  was  the  adviser  of  the  measure,  and  de 
termined  to  carry  it  into  execution.  The  parties  were  at  issue 
on  the  great  question,  on  which  the  liberties  of  the  country 
hung  suspended;  whether  Great  Britain  should  exercise  the 
power  of  taxing  the  Americans  in  anyway,  or  not.  This 
question  depended  on  the  landing  of  a  few  cargoes  of  tea, 
which  had  become  contaminated  with  an  unconstitutional  tax. 
The  colonists  were  determined  that  they  would  not  pay  the 
tax,  and  the  British  party  were  determined  to  carry  into  effect 
the  tea  regulation,  and  to  frustrate  the  plans  of  the  Americans. 
Both  parties  had  taken  their  measures,  and  the  British  party 
were  confident  of  success,  the  contest  was  advancing  to  a 
crisis;  alarm  and  dismay  prevailed;  the  deepest  anxiety  was 
depicted  in  every  countenance;  had  an  invading  army  been  in 
the  neighbourhood,  threatening  to  sack  the  town,  or  had  the 
pestilence  which  walks  in  darkness,  ravaged  its  pavilions,  great 
er  gloorn  could  not  overspread  the  town,  or  stronger  indica 
tions  been  exhibited,  of  a  pending  event  big  with  the  fate  of 
three  millions  of  people.  During  this  deep  and  awful  sus 
pense,  a  report  was  started,  which  spread  with  the  rapidity  of 
lightning  through  the  town,  that  Admiral  Montague  was  about 
to  seize  the  ships  and  dispose  of  their  cargoes,  at  public  auc 
tion,  within  twenty-four  hours;  which  was  believed  to  be  a 
cunning  device  of  Hutchinson,as  this  would  as  effectually  have 
secured  the  duties,  as  if  the  teas  had  been  sold  at  the  stores  of 
the  consignees.  This  rumour  was  like  an  electric  shock  ; 
leaving  their  employments,  the  people  rushed  into  the  streets, 
and  with  amazed  and  terrified  countenances,  every  one  seemed 
to  say,  what  shall  we  do  to  prevent  the  consummation  in  so  bold 
and  daring  a  manner,  of  this  iniquitous  scheme.  In  a  few  mo 
ments,  as  from  an  instinctive  impulse,  a  vast  crowd  repaired  to 
one  of  the  most  spacious  churches  in  Boston,  and  organized 
themselves  into  a  public  meeting.  Previously  to  taking  any 
other  step,  a  message  was  sent  to  the  governor  and  the  con 
signees,  who  with  difficulty  could  be  found,  as  they  were  afraid 
to  encounter  even  the  looks  of  an  indignant  and  injured  people. 
No  satisfactory  answers  were  returned;  but  instead  of  com 
plying  with  their  wishes,  whilst  the  assembled  multitude  were 
quietly,  notwithstanding  the  excitement  which  prevailed,  con 
sulting  on  their  critical  situation,  and  the  measures  proper  to 
be  adopted,  the  sheriff  entered  with  an  order  from  the  govern 
or,  styling  them  an  illegal  and  seditious  assembly,  and  ordering 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  159 

them  immediately  to  disperse.  But  he  did  not  bring  with  him 
ihe  posse  comitatus,  as  the  power  of  the  county  was  already  as 
sembled,  and  it  was  that,  the  sheriff  was  ordered  to  disperse  ; 
this  mandate  was  treated  with  deserved  contempt,  and  the 
sheriff  hissed  out  of  the  house,  mortified  and  chagrined,  and  a 
confused  murmur  followed  not  only  in  the  house  but  among  the 
vast  multitude  from  without ;  but  soon  order  was  restored,  and 
the  meeting  adjourned,  without  adopting  any  vote  or  resolution. 
The  leaders  probably  supposed  that  such  a  meeting  was  not 
the  place  to  discuss  and  devise  measures  to  meet  the  crisis. 

The  bold  measure  was  now  conceived,  and  immediately  pro 
posed  for  execution,  which  surprised  and  agitated  the  two  coun 
tries,  and  hurried  on  that  memorable  revolution  which  made 
them  "  enemies  in  war,  and  in  peace  friends."  The  success 
of  it,  as  well  as  the  danger  attending  it,  required  secresy  and 
despatch.  It  has  never  been  known  with  certainty,  either  who 
contrived  or  executed  this  bold  e»e.3ient  ;  but  there  is  no  rea 
son  to  doubt,  but  that  Mr.  Samuel  Adams,  and  many  of  the 
leaders  in  the  political  affairs  of  the  day,  were  its  contrivers, 
and  it  is  known,  that  the  hall  of  council  was  in  the  back  room 
of  Edes  &  Gill's  printing  office,  at  the  corner  of  the  alley  lead 
ing  from  Court-Street  to  Brattle-Street  Church.  It  is  a  singu 
lar  circumstance,  that  this  daring  and  desperate  measure,  for 
the  maintenance  of  the  liberties  of  the  country,  should  have 
been  counselled  and  contrived  in  an  editorial  closet  of  a  news 
paper,  which  was  one  of  the  organs  of  the  public  voice,  and  a 
vigilant  sentinel  of  the  liberties  of  the  people.  Since  this  peri 
od  many  political  schemes  have  originated,  in  the  "  back  rooms" 
of  printing  offices,  but  in  general  of  a  very  different  char 
acter. 

In  a  few  hours  after  the  adjournment  of  (he  public  meeting, 
the  bold  measure,  on  the  success  of  which  the  great  question 
of  taxation  hung  suspended,  was  contrived,  matured,  and  ripen 
ed  for  execution  ;  and  the  public  were  surprised  with  the  sud 
den  appearance  in  the  streets,  of  a  large  number  of  savages, 
or  persons  disguised,  clad,  and  every  way  counterfeiting  the 
aborigines  of  i  he  country  ;  armed  with  a  tomahawk  in  one 
hand,  and  a  club  over  the  shoulder,  who,  in  a  silent  and  solemn 
manner,  not  a  voice  being  heard,  marched  in  Indian  file, 
through  the  streets,  amidst  a  crowd  of  astonished  spectators, 
who  knew  not  what  to  think  of  so  unexpected  and  strange  an 
exhibition  ;  and  its  novelty  and  the  surprise  which  it  occasion 
ed,  may  have  prevented  any  steps  being  taken  to  oppose  their 
design.  The  Indians,  whilst  strongly  attached  to  tobacco,  in 
this  instance  at  least,  appear  to  have  had  a  mortal  antipathy  to 
tea  ;  and  as  though  a-ttracted  by  its  noxious  qualities,  they  pro 
ceeded  directly  towards  the  whaives  where  the  tea  ships  lay  ; 


160  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

boarded  them,  demanded  the  keys,  and  without  the  least  hesi 
tation  or  delay,  knocked  open  the  chests,  and  emptied  their 
contents,  duties  and  all,  into  the  ocean,  comprising  several 
thousand  weight  of  the  finest  teas.  The  deed  was  done  in  the 
face  of  the  world, and  although  surrounded  by  the  king's  ships, 
no  opposition  was  made  or  attempted  ;  all  was  silence  and 
amazement.  Thus  the  teas  which  were  designed  as  a 
means  of  extorting  tribute  from  the  Americans,  became 
an  offering  to  the  "  spirits  of  the  vasty  deep/'  and  a  sac 
rifice  to  the  liberties  of  the  country..  The  "  Indians"  hav 
ing  effected  their  object,  shewed  no  marks  of  triumph  ;  no 
savage  warwhoop  was  heard;  nor  did  they  commit  any  other 
violence  or  disorder,  but  in  the  same  silent,  solemn  and  order 
ly  manner,  marched  back  through  the  town,  followed  by  a 
vast  crowd.  No  movements  on  the  part  of  the  government,  or 
disturbance  by  the  people,  followed  this  event ;  and  it  was  ob 
served  at  the  time,  that  the  »!01est  night  succeeded,  which  Bos 
ton  had  enjoyed  for  several  months. 

No  person3  assisted  the  savages,  in  the  destruction  of  the 
tea,  except  some  boys  or  young  men,  who  had  assembled  on 
the  occasion,  and  voluntarily  took  a  part  in  what  was  going  on  ; 
one  of  these  youths,  collected  the  tea  which  fell  into  his  own 
shoes  and  those  of  several  of  his  companions,  put  in  a  phial  and 
sealed  it  up  ;  which  is  now  in  his  possession,  containing  the 
same  obnoxious  tea,  which  in. this  instance  was  considered  as 
mere  dangerous  to  the  political  health  and  constitution  of  the 
people,  even  than  strong  drink.  The  number  of  savages,  manu 
factured  for  the  occasion,  has  been  variously  estimated,  from 
sixty  to  eighty  :  although  several  persons  have  been  mentioned 
as  among  the  number,  none  of  them  have  ever  been  known  with 
certainty  ;  there  are  many  and  obvious  reason?,  why  secrecy 
then,  and  concealment  since  were  neceseary.  Not  any  of  those 
who  ii  has  been  confidently  asserted  were  of  the  party  have  ad 
mitted  the  fact  except  some  of  the  boys.  Nearly  all  of  the 
disguised  persons  have  left  this  scene  of  strife,  and  their  secret 
has  died  with  them  ;  and  what  few  remain,  if  any,  will  proba 
bly  be  as  prudent  as  those  who  have  gone  before  them,  and 
like  them  will  suffer  their  knowledge  to  be  buried  with  them, 
so  that  the  greatest  secret  will  shortly  be  beyond  the  reach  of 
human  research.  The  success  of  this  bold  and  daring  measure, 
astonished  Governor  Hutchinson  and  the  British  party,  and 
seemed  to  convince  him,  that  the  "  Sons  of  Liberty"'  were  not 
quite  so  contemptible  as  he  had  represented  them  in  his  letters 
to  the  ministry  ;  and  it  even  astonished  the  whigs,  in  the  other 
colonies,  and  contributed  to  fan  the  flames  of  liberty,  and  give 
them  a  deeper  glow,  and  more  intense  heat. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  161 

When  the  intelligence  of  this  event  readied  England,  accom 
panied  wit!)  all  (he  exaggeration  and  colouring  which  Hutch- 
inson  could  give  to  it,  it  produced  the  utmost  excitement,  and 
indignation  with  the  ministerial  party,  and  even  the  opponents 
of  the  American  revenue  system,  could  not  justify  so  rash  and 
desperate  a  measure.  Putliament  at  once  determined  to  crush 
the  devoted  town,  which  was  the  seat  and  cause  of  this  high 
handed  resistance  to  its  supremacy.  Its  omnipotent  power, 
and  all  the  terrors  of  its  wrath,  were  to  be  concentrated  and 
directed  against  this  rebellious  town.  A  bill  was  immediately 
introduced  to"  discontinue  the  landing  and  discharging, landing 
and  shipping  of  goods,  wares  and  merchandise,  at  the  town  of 
Boston,  or  within  the  harbor."  This  bill,  called  the  <%  Boston 
Port  Bill/'  passed  on  the  25th  of  March,  1774,  and  when  it  was 
known,  threw  the  inhabitants  into  the  utmost  consternation. 
A  general  meeting  was  called,  and  spirited  resolutions  adop 
ted,  expressive,  in  strong  terms,  of  their  sense  of  the  oppres 
sive  measure,  and  they  requested  all  the  colonies  to  unite  in  an 
engagement  to  discontinue  al!  importations  from  Great  Britain; 
and  most  of  the  colonies  resolved  to  make  common  cause  with 
Massachusetts,  in  her  opposition  to  the  unconstitutional  meas 
ures  of  parliament.  The  first  of  June,  when  the  port  bill  was  to  go 
into  operation  was  appointed  to  be  kept  as  a  day  of  fasting  and 
prayer.  This  act  was  soon  followed  by  another,  "  for  the  better 
regulating  gov't.  in  the  province  of  Mass.  Bay  ;"  the  object  o^F 
which  was  to  alter  the  charter,  so  as  to  make  the  judges  and 
sheriffs  dependant  on  the  king,  and  removeable  at  his  pleas 
ure.  And  this  act  was  soon  succeeded  by  another,  which  pro 
vided,  that  any  persons  indicted  for  murder,  or  other  capital  of- 
fenee,  committed  in  aiding  the  magistrates,  in  enforcing  the 
laws,  might  be  sent  by  the  governor  either  to  any  other  colony, 
or  to  Great  Britain  for  his  trial.  The  Quebec  Bill  followed  in 
rapid  succession,  enlarging  the  bounds  of  that  province,  and  con 
ferring  many  privileges  on  the  Roman  Catholics  ;  the  design  of 
which  was  to  secure  the  attachment  of  that  province,  and  pre 
vent  its  joining  with  the  colonies  in  their  measures  of  resis 
tance.  These  measures  instead,  ofintimidating  the  colonies  into 
submission,  only  confirmed  their  fears  of  the  settled  designs  of 
Great  Britain  to  deprive  them  of  their  chartered  rights,  and  re 
duce  the  colonies  to  the  lowest  state  of  political  degradation  and 
oppression.  A  sense  of  common  danger  led  to  an  extensive 
correspondence,  which  resulted  in  the  opinion  that  it  was  ex* 
pedient  to  convene  a  general  congress,  to  consist  of  deputies 
from  all  the  colonies.  This  congress  met  at  Philadelphia  oa 
1  he  5th  of  September,  1774;  and  comprised  among  its  mem 
bers,  some  of  the  most  distinguished  patriots,  statesmen  and 
orators  in  the  country,  or  perhaps  in  anr  other.  Notwithataodiag 
14* 


162  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

the  ferment  which  prevailed  in  most  of  the  colonies,  their  pro- 
ceedino-g  were  characterised  by  coolness,  unanimity  and  firm 
ness. 

They  published  a  long  and  solemn  declaration  of  rights,  as 
British  subjects,  and  maintained  in  the  strongest  terms,  their 
exemption  from  taxation  by  parliament ;  besides  which,  they  pre 
pared  a  petition  to  the  king-,  which  was  refused  to  be  answer 
ed  ;  an  address  to  the  people  of  Great  Britain,  and  another  to 
the  people  of  America.  These  documents  were  drawn  up 
with  a  masterly  hand,,  and  exhibited  great  dignity  and  ability, 
and  wore  in  every  respect  worthy  of  the  men  who  had  confided 
to  them  the  liberties  of  their  country,  and  the  destinies  of  three 
millions  of  their  countrymen,  threatened  with  slavery. 

The  proceedings  of  congress  did  not  tend  to  allay  public  feel 
ing,  and  as  the  royal  agents  in  jMassachusetts  seemed  deter 
mined  to  push  matters  to  extremities,  and  reduce  the  people  to 
unconditional  submission,  by  arbitrary  and  forcible  means,  eve 
ry  thing  now  wore  the  appearance  of  civil  war.  A  new  coun 
cil,  and  new  judges  were  appointed  by  the  crown  ;  and  the.lat- 
ter  attempted  to  enter  upon  the  execution  of  their  offices  ;  but 
the  juries  refused  to  be  sworn  under  them  ;  the  people  in  some 
counties  assembled  to  prevent  their  proceedings,  and  in  Berk 
shire  succeeded,  in  thus  setting  an  example,  which  was  after 
wards  followed  by  Shays'  men,  in  violation  of  the  laws  of  the 
state.  About  this  'time  the  famous  "  Tree  of  Liberty,"  in  Bos 
ton,  which  had  been  pruned  and  ornamented  with  so  much 
pride  and  care,  "  fell  a  victim  to  British  vengeance,  or  to  some 
individual  to  whom  its  shade  had  become  offensive."? 

Previously  to  this  period,  General  Gage  had  succeeded 
Hutchinson  as  Governer  of  Massachusetts  ^  and,  apprehending 
danger  from  a  general  muster  of  the  militia,  he  caused  the  mag 
azines  and  ammunition  at  Charlestown  and  Cambridge,  to  be 
removed  to  Boston,  and  fortified  the  neck  of  land  which  joins 
Boston  to  the  main  land,  at  Roxbury.  These  measures  occa 
sioned  a  universal  panic  ;  delegates  from  all  the  towns  in  the 
county  of  Suffolk  met,  and  spirited  resolutions,  and  a  remon 
strance  to  the  Governor,  were  adopted.  The  general  assem 
bly  had  been  summoned  to  meet  at  Salem  ;  bat  from  the  turbu 
lence  of  the  times,  the  governor  issued  his  proclamation,  coun 
termanding  their  meeting;  yet,  in  defiance  of  the  governor's 
mandate,  ninety  members  mei;,  resolved  themselves  into  a  pro 
vincial  congress,  chose  Mr.  Hancock  president,  and  adjourn 
ed  to  Concord,  nineteen  miles  from  Boston.  They  fearlessly 
proceeded  to  business;  after  addressing  the  governor,  and  re 
iterating  their  grievances  ;  in  the  face  of  British  law  and  Brit 
ish  troops,  they  proceeded  to  adopt  the  first  measures,  which 
were  taken,  directly  and  avowedly  preparatory  to  an  appeal  to 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  163 

the  ?vrord,  in  defence  of  their  rights  and  liberties.  They  regu 
lated  the  militia,  made  provision  for  furnishing  the  people  with 
arms,  and  for  supplying  the  treasury  ;  and  such  was  the  enthu 
siasm  of  the  people,  that  their  recommendations  had  the  force  of 
law.  Governor  Ganfe  was  filled  with  rage  at  these  daring  pro 
ceedings,  and  issued  a  proclamation,  in  which  he  insinuated  that 
they  amounted  to  rebellion. 

Early  in  1775,  parliament  passed  the  fishery  bills,  which  pro 
hibited  the  colonies  from  trading  in  fish  with  Great  Brita:n,  Ire-  * 
land  and  the  West  Indies,  and  frcm  taking  fish  on  the  banks  of 
Newfoundland.  These  acts  were  intended  to  operate  on  the 
town  of  Boston,  which  had  become  the  devoted  object  of  min 
isterial  wrath.  The  various  statutes,  which  were  passed,  occa 
sioned  deep  and  general  distress  in  Boston  and  its  vicinty  ;  but 
their  bretheren  in  the  other  colonies  sympathized  with  them, 
and  promptly  supplied  them  with  provisions  of  every  descrip 
tion  for  the  relief  of  the  sufferers. 

This  policy  of  the  British  government  was  not  only  oppres 
sive,  but  mean  and  contemptible.  Partial  legislation  is  al 
ways  odious  and  tyrannical ;  yet  it  consisted  with  the  justice 
and  dignity  of  the  British  nation  ;  and  a  series  of  acts  were  pas 
sed,  and  the  power  of  the  nation  exerted,  to  crush  the  town  of 
Boston,  because  it  had  shown  a  more  determined  spirit  of  re 
sistance  to  their  oppressive  and  unconstitutional  measures  than 
had  appeared  in  other  places.  The  ministry  were  not  sensible 
that  the  colonies  considered  themselves  all  engaged  in  a  com 
mon  cause;  they  were  in  hopes  to  humble  and  crush  the  re 
bellious  inhabitants  of  that  devoted  town,  which  they  thought 
would  be  such  a  terrific  example  as  wouid  frighten  all  the  col 
onies  into  submission.  But  their  wicked  designs  recoiled  on 
the  heads  of  their  authors;  for  these  oppressive  measures  to 
wards  the  Bostonians,  only  served  to  exasperate  the  people 
throughout  allthe  colonies,  who  regarded  them  as  cruel  and  de 
testable. 

In  March  1773,  the  public  indignation  was  greatly  excited 
bv  the  following  base  and  most  shameful  transactions  :  — 

"  The  people  from  the  country,  whose  business  called  them 
into  Boston,  were  suspected  by  the  officers  of  purchasing  gnns 
from  their  soldiers.  In  order  to  furnish  an  opportunity  to  in 
flict  punishment,  and  to  raise  occasion  for  a  serious  quarrel. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Nesbit,  of  tbe  forty  seventh  regiment,  or 
dered  a  soldier  to  offer  a  countryman  an  old  rusty  musket.  A 
man  fromBillerica  was  caught  by  this  habit,  and  purchased  the 
gun  for  three  dollars.  The  unfortunate  man  was  immediately 
seized  by  Xesbit  and  confined  in  the  guard  house  all  night. 
Early  next  mroning  they  stripped  him  entirely  naked,  covered 
him  over  with  warm  tar,  and  then  with  feathers,  placed  him  on 


164  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

a  cart  and  conducted  him  through  the  streets  as  far  as  liberty 
tree,  where  the  people  began  to  collect  in  vast  numbers,  and 
the  military,  fearing  for  their  own  safety,  dismissed  the  man, 
and  retreated  to  their  barracks.  The  party  consisted  of  about 
thirty  grenadiers,  with  fixed  bayonets,  twenty  drums  and  fifes 
playing  the  rogue's  march,  headed  by  the  redoubtable  N  esbit  with 
a  drawn  sword  !  What  an  honorable  deed  for  a  British  field  of 
ficer  and  grenadiers  !  The  selectmen  of  Billerica  remonstrated 
with  General  Gage  respecting-  this  outrage,  but  obtained  no  sat 
isfaction. 

The  breach  between  Britain  and  the  colonies  had  now  be 
come  so  wide,  as  with  the  mass  of  the  people,  nearly  to  exclude 
all  ideas  of  conciliation  ;  and  both  parties  began  to  make  prepa 
rations  for  an  appeal  to  the  sword.  No  alternative  was  left 
the  Americans  but  slavery,  or  resistance  by  force  ;  measures 
were  adopted  for  training  the  militia  to  the  use  of  arms,  to  en 
courage  the  manufacture  of  gun  powder,  and  for  collecting  all 
kinds  of  military  stores  ;  and  committees  of  public  safety  were 
appointed  in  all  the  towns  in  the  province.  The  British  gov 
ernment  sent  out  a  re-inforcement  of  troops  to  Boston,  and  in 
the  mean  time  Governor  Gage  attempted  to  counteract  the  de 
signs  and  treasures  of  the  provincials,  and  particularly  to  seize 
or  destroy  their  military  stores,  and  thus  deprive  the'm  of  the 
means  of  resistance.  To  destroy  the  military  stores  at  Concord, 
General  Gage  despatched,  in  a  secret  mariner,  a  regiment  of 
grenadiers,  who  undertook  to  disperse,  and  fired  upon  a  party  of 
militia  at  Lexington,  several  of  whom  were  killed,  which  was 
the  first  blood  spilt  in  that  memorable  war  and  revolution,  that 
separated  Great  Britain  and  America  forever  ;  and  gave  to  the 
latter,  not  only  a  rank  among  the  nations  of  the  earth,  but  what 
only  can  exalt  a  nation — Liberty  and  free  institutions,  which 
are  the  durable  foundations  of  its  glory  and  rising  prosperity  ; 
its  tranquillity  and  happiness,  its  increasing  population  and 
wealth,  the  rapidity  of  which  is  unexampled  in  the  annals  of 
the  world. 

Thus,  dear  reader,  I  have  given^vou  a  summary  view  of  the 
causes  which  led  to  the  America^  revolution.  I  shall  com 
mence  the  revolution  by  giving  you  an  account  of  the  battle  of 
Lexington. 

On  the  ICth  of  April,  1775,  Lieut.  Colonel  Smith  and  Major 
Pitcairn  left  Boston  with  800  chosen  men  from  the  British  ar 
my,  for  the  purpose  of  destroying  the  American  stores  at  Con 
cord.  On  their  arrival  at  Lexington,  they  found  about  se\en- 
ty  militia  under  arms  upon  the  green.  Major  Pitcairn,  seeing 
the  Americans  on  parade,  rode  up  to  them,  and  exclaimed, 
disperse,  you  rebels,  throw  down  your  arms,  and  disperse.  His 
orders  not  being  instantly  obeyed,  he  discharged  bis  own  pis- 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  165 

tol,  and  ordered  his  men  to  fire.  His  orders  were  obeyed,  and 
three  of  the  Americans  were  killed.  The  detachment  procee 
ded  to  Concord.  The  militia  of  that  town  had  also  assembled 
to  oppose  them,  but  their  number  was  so  small  that  they  retir 
ed  and  waited  for  aid  from  the  neighboring1  towns.  The  Brit 
ish  destroyed  ail  the  stores  that  were  to  be  found,  and  then  be 
gan  their  retreat  towards  Lexington.  But  the  whole  country 
was  in  arms,  and  pressed  upon  their  roar.  The  Americans 
kept  up  a  continual  fire  from  behind  hedges,  stone  walls,  &.c. 
Major  Pi?cairn,  fearing  his  carcass  would  be  picked  from  his 
borse,  dismounted,  and  led  his  division  on  foot ;  but  his  horse 
and  equipments  were  taken  bv  the  provincials.  At  sun-set,  the 
regulars,  overcome  with  fttigue,  secured  their  retreat  over 
Charlestown  neck,  and  found  on  Bunker's  Hill  a  place  of  secu 
rity  and  repose. 

The  loss  of  the  British  in  killed,  wounded  and  taken  prisoner?, 
amounted  to  273,  while  the  American  loss  in  killed,  wounded 
and  missing,  was  only  88. 

The  battle  of  Lexington  spread  like  a  conflagration,  and 
aroused  the  hardy  sons  of  the  country  to  a  manful  resistance. 
The  agriculturist  left  his  plough  in  the  furrow,  and  the 
mechanic  dropped  his  tools  in  the  shop,  and  the  great  mass  of 
the  people  repaired  to  Boston  with  such  arms  as  could  be  found. 
Within  a  few  days  a  large  army  was  collected  under  the  com 
mand  of  generals  Ward  and  Putnam.  This  alarmed  general 
Gage  for  the  safety  of  his  garrison.  When  the  tidings  of 
these  events  reached  the  south,  the  population  were  aroused 
to  the  contest  with  the  same  animated  zeal  which  had  been  dis 
played  at  the  north,  and  the  tocsin  of  alarm  spread  far  and  wide 
through  the  country. 

On  the  '28th  of  April,  1776,  the  provincial  congress  of  Mas 
sachusetts  issued  the  following  general  circular: 

"  We  conjure  you  by  all  that  is  dear,  by  all  that  is  sacred, 
that  you  orive  all  possible  assistance  in  forming  an  army,  in  de 
fence  of~the  country.  Our  all  is  at  stake.  Death*  and  de 
struction  are  the  certain  consequences  of  deJay.  Every  mt- 
ment  is  infinitely  precious;  an  hour  lost,  may  deluge  your 
country  in  blood,  and  entail  perpetual  slavery  upon  the  few  of 
your  posterity  that  survive  the  carnage.  We  beg  and  entreat, 
as  you  will  answer  it  to  your  country,  to  your  consciences,  and 
above  all,  as  you  will  answer  it  to  your  God,  that  you  will  has 
ten,  by  all  possible  means,  the  enlistment  of  men,  to  form  en 
army;  and  send  them  forward  to  head-quarters,  at  Cambridge, 
with  that  expedition,  which  the  vast  importance,  and  instant 
urgency  of  the  affairs  demands." 

This,  as  might  be  expected,  aroused  the  energies  of  the  coun 
try,  and  inspired  the  people  with  the  most  heroic  feelings.  The 


166  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

call  was  promptly  obeyed,  and  the  sons  of  liberty  enlisted  them 
selves  with  the  greatest  alacrity  for  the  defence  of  their  rights. 

The  responsibilities  which  now  rested  on  the  fathers  of  the 
revolution  were  great,  and  their  services  important.  Theyhad 
to  imbody  and  discipline  new  and  inexperienced  troops,  bring 
order  out  of  confusion,  and  to  supply  both  arms  and  ammuni 
tion  being  without  funds,  and  almost  without  authority  to  resist 
them.  Besides  this,  the  army  was  to  he  supplied  with  pro 
visions,  in  the  face  of  a  formidable,  well  disciplined,  and  well 
furnished  enemy.  But  the  zeal  and  ability  of  the  officers  were 
equal  to  the  crisis.  Of  some  it  is  even  recorded,  that  for  a 
succession  of  days  and  nights,  they  were  constantly  at  the  hsad 
of  their  respective  guards,  without  a  change  of  raiment. 

At  this  critical  epoch,  General  Ward  directed  colonel  Ethan 
Allen  to  raise  four  hundred  Green  Mountain  Boys,  on  the  New 
Hampshire  grants,  since  then  composing  the  state  now  called 
Vermont.  With  this  force  he  was  to  surprise  the  garrisons 
of  the  English  on  lake  Champlain.  The  colonel  raised  two 
hundred  and  thirty  of  the  number,  with  which  force  he  repaired 
to  Castleton,  where  he  met  one  hundred  and  seventy  two 
more,  by  concert  with  certain  officers  of  the  militia.  In  this 
plan,  Dean,  Wooster,  and  Parsons,  with  others  in  Connecticut, 
co-operated,  and  sentinels  were  posted  on  the  different  routes 
to  Ticonderoga,  to  intercept  intelligence  of  the  intentions  of 
the  Americans. 

About  this  time,  Colonel  Benedict  Arnold,  who  had  arrived 
to  assist  in  the  enterprise,  consented  to  act  in  concert  with 
colonel  Allen,  and  no  unnecessary  delay  prevented  them  from 
moving  forward  to  the  object  which  they  determined  to  ac 
complish. 

Colonel  Allen  crossed  the  lake  on  the  10th  of  May,  with 
a  detachment  of  only  eighty  three  men,  with  which  he  attack 
ed  fort  Ticonderoga  early  in  the  morning.  With  this  small 
number  he  rushed  into  the  fort,  while  the  garrison  was  asleep. 
Captain  Delaplace  was  ordered  to  surrender  the  garrison  in 
stantly,  as  he  would  save  them  from  immediate  destruction. 
The  captain  inquired  by  what  authority,  to  whom  colonel  Allen 
icplied— "  In  the  name  of  the  Great  Jehovah,  and  the  continen 
tal  Congress."  The  fort  was  immediately  surrendered,  and 
the  soldiers  paraded  without  arms.  The  prisoners  consisted  of 
four  officers,  forty-four  privates,  with  several  women  and  chil 
dren,  who  were  sent  into  Connecticut  for  security. 

The  fruits  of  this  victory  were — 120  iron  cannon,  50  swivels, 
more  than  three  tons  of  balls,  two  10  inch  mortars,  and  a 
quantity  of  shells,  flints,  gun  carriages,  powder,  flour,  pork, 
£c.  with  two  brass  cannon,  and  many  other  valuables. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  167 

With  the  remainder  of  the  party,  Colonel  Seth  Warner,  a 
native  of  Connecticut,  crossed  the  lake,  and  took  the  fortress 
of  Crown  Point  by  surprise,  with  more  than  one  hundred  pieces 
of  cannon.  Colonel  Arnold,  who  had  embaiked  on  the  lake, 
in  a  small  schooner,  captured  an  English  armed  vessel,  and 
returned  to  Ticonderosra  with  his  prize.  Thus  was  a  free 
communication  with  Canada  secured  by  the  command  of  the 
lake. 

While  the  tide  of  success  thus  waited  on  the  American  arms 
in  the  north,  general  Gage  contemplated  an  attack  upon  the 
American  troops  at  Roxbury,  under  the  command  of  general 
Thomas.  The  number  of  troops  at  this  place,  amounted  in 
all,  to  but  seven  hundred  militia,  and  they  were  nearly  des 
titute  of  both  arms  and  ammunition.  What  was  wanting  in 
force,  however,  was  supplied  by  stratagem.  The  Americans 
were  marched  round  a  hill  in  full  view  of  the  enemy,  and  dis 
played  to  such  advantage  through  the  day,  that  the  British 
general  was  completely  hoaxed,  and  the  attack  was  not  made. 
Reinforcements  soon  arrived,  and  the  place  was  saved. 

The  success  which  attended  the  American  arms  in  their  fre 
quent  skirmishes  >vith  the  foraging  parties  of  the  British, 
among  the  small  islands  which  abound  in  Massachusetts  bay, 
gave  them  confidence  and  courage  to  face  the  English  forces 
with  confidence  and  success  in  more  important  undertakings. 

On  the  25th  of  the  month,  the  three  British  generals,  Howe, 
Clinton,  and  Burgoyne,  arrived  at  Boston.  They  were  able 
and  experienced,  and  to  them  was  committed  the  task  of  put 
ting  down  all  opposition,  and  of  bringing  the  revolted  colonists 
to  a  state  of  absolute  and  unconditional  submission,  during  the 
first  campaign. 

Two  days  after  this,  the  provincials,  under  Putnam  and  War 
ren,  defeated  a  strong  force  of  the  enemy  on  the  islands,  and 
destroyed  the  vessel,  armed  and  stationed  for  their  defence. 
The  same  success  attended  their  arms  on  the  30th,  and  the 
British  were  greatly  distressed  by  a  removal  of  the  cattle  from 
the  island,  and  the  communication  with  Boston  was  now  closed. 

On  the  part  of  the  continentals,  *.he  sufferings  were  severe. 
The  small  pox  had  been  communicated  from  Boston,  and  raged 
in  the  army  to  an  alarming  degree.  Money  was  exceedingly 
scarce;  and  the  whole  foice,  including  officers  and  soldiers,  did 
not  exceed  eight  thousand.  Under  all  their  discouragements, 
and  in  their  undisciplined  state,  nothing  could  keep  them 
together,  but  the  mest  ardent  zeal  for  the  cause  of  their  com 
mon  country. 

A  proclamation  was  issued  by  General  Gage,  on  the  12th  of 
June,  in  the  king's  name,  offering  a  general  amnesty,  exclud 
ing  only  John  Hancock  and  Samuel  Adams.  Those  who  should 


168  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

refuse  these  gracious  offers,  or  correspond  with,  or  aid  and 
assist  the  refractory,  were  denounced  as  rebels,  and  threatened 
to  be  treated  as  such.  Martial  law  was  also  declared  in  the 
province. 

The  proclamation  was  very  properly  considered  as  a  public 
declaration  of  war,  and  the  precursor  of  hostile  operations,  and 
the  enemy  was  watched  with  the  utmost  vigilance.  Colonel 
Prescott,  with  a  detachment  of  one  thousand  men,  was  ordered 
to  fortify  Bunker's  Hill,  in  Charlestown  ;  but  as  the  operation 
was  in  the  night,  he  fortified  a  place  which  lay  contiguous  to 
it,  called  Breed's  Hill,  which  was  nearer  to  Boston.  The  bold 
ness  of  this  movement  both  perplexed  and  astonished  general 
Gage,  who  saw  that  it  jeopardized  his  own  safety  in  Boston. 
He  determined  to  dislodge  them  from  this  possition  without 
delay;  and  on  the  17th,  about,  noon,  he  detached  a  train  of 
artillery,  ten  companies  of  grenadiers,  and  four  battalions  of 
infantry,  for  this  purpose.  On  this  occassion,  Major  general 
Howe  and  Brigadier  general  Pigot  commanded.  At  (Charles- 
town,  a  re-inforcement  added  to  their  members,  and  the  force 
amounted  to  three  thousand  men.  This  force  formed  on  the 
beach,  and  marching  in  battle  array,  a  terrible  cannonade  was 
commenced.  The  first  shock  of  the  battle  was  firmly  sustained 
by  colonel  Prescott,  aided  by  colonel  Stark  of  New  Hampshire, 
and  captain  Norton,  of  Connecticut.  The  detachment  was 
soon  joined  by  generals  Putnam,  Warren,  and  Pomeroy,  who 
imparted  enthusiasm  and  energy  to  the  conflict.  Charlestown 
was  wrapped  in  flames  as  the  British  advanced. 

In  imitation  of  the  heroes  on  the  plains  of  Abraham,  the 
fire  of  the  Americans  was  reserved  until  the  English  arrived 
to  within  seventy  yards.  A  well  directed  fire  of  musketry  was 
then  op&ned,  which  spread  destruction  in  the  ranks  of  the  as 
sailants,  and  kept  them  in  check.  The  discharge  of  the  mus 
ketry  was  dreadful,  and  the  enemy  fled  in  disorder.  The  cha 
grin  and  mortification  of  the  officers  was  extreme,  and  the 
men  were  rallied  to  another  charge.  They  were  again  repul 
sed,  cut  to  pieces,  and  put  lo  the  rout.  At  this  crisis,  general 
Clinton  came  up,  and  the  troops  being  once  more  rallied,  re 
newed  the  charge,  and  the  carnage  became  dreadful.  The 
time  was  a  critical  one.  The  powder  of  the  provincials  was 
nearly  expended,  and  the  cartridges  of  the  dead  were  searched, 
that  the  fire  might  be  continued,  when  their  wings  were  out 
flanked  b)  the  enemy,  and  the  trenches  were  exposed  to  a  rak 
ing  fire  from  the  British  artillery. 

A  terrible  cannonade  was  now  commenced  from  the  British 
ships  and  batteries,  and  the  exertions  of  the  enemy  were  re 
doubled.  Thti  troops  were  pressed  on  by  the  swords  and  bay 
onets  in  the  rear,  and  the  points  of  British  bayonets  were  met 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  1C9 

Ijy  clubbed   muskets,  until   numbers  prevailed,  and  the  Ameri- 

?re  compared  fo  retire.     The  retreat  was  conducted   in 

r-der,  and  the  camp  at   Cambridge  was  regained,   unde«r 

a  well  directed  fire  from  ships  and  batteries,  which  raked  them 

severely  as  they  crossed  over  the  neck  at  Charlestown. 

Of  this  baitle  it  may  be  said,  that  in  all  the  records  of  British 
valour,  not  one  action  occurred,  in  which  they  were  met  by  a 
more  dauntless  courage,  or  a  more  obstinate  resistance,  or  in 
which  they  obtained  a  harder  victory. 

In  this  battle,  the  Americans  lost  139  killed,  278  wounded, 
and  36  mis?'  g  ;  in  all  453.  Among  the  killed,  were  Gen. 
Warren.  ("</,.  Gardner,  Lieut.  Col.  Parker,  and  Majors  Moore 
and  McClaney,  whose  loss  to  the  nation  was  severely  felt,  anil 
shed  a  gloom  over  the  country. 

The  British  loss,  as  reported  by  General  Gage,  was  226  kil 
led,  nineteen  of  whom  were  commissioned  officers,  and  seventy 
officers  wounded.  Total  loss  of  the  British,  1054. 

The  result  of  the  American  loss  in  this  battle,  is  said  to  equal 
that  of  Wolfe  in  the  captnre  of  Quebec,  but  in  the  loss  of  offi 
cers,  it  stands  as  eighteen  to  thirteen  in  kPled,  and  as  seventy 
to  sixty-six  in  wounded.  From  this  some  estimate  can  be 
made  of  the  comparative  resistance  in  the  two  conflicts. 
*  On  the  10th  of  May — the  day  on  which  Col.  Alien  deman 
ded  the  surrender  of  Ticonderoga  in  the  name  of  the  Arm  ri- 
can  Congress,  tint  illustrious  body  assembled  in  Philadelphia, 
and  commenced  its  session.  The  Hon.  Bey  ton  Randolph  was 
re-appointed  President,  and  Charles  Thompson,  Secretary. 

In  June,  by  a  special  resolve,  the  Congress  interdicted 
tercourse  with  the  enemy,  and  assumed  the  style  of  the  Twelve 
United  Colonies,  under  sanction  of  which,  a  day  of  fasting  was 
appointed  for  the   30th  of  July  following.     On  the  15th,  Gen. 
Washington,  than  a  member  from  Virginia,   was  appointed  to 
the  responsible  station  of  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  " 
can  forces.     He  accepted  the  trust  with  great    diffidence.     In 
reply  to  the  President,    after   accepting    the    appointment,  he 
added — "  But  lest  s:/,ne  unlucky  event  should  happen  ur; 
able  to  my  reputation,  I  beg  it  may  be  remembered,    by  every 
gentleman  in  the  room,  that  I  this  day  declare  with  the  utmost 
sincerity,  I  do  not  think  myself  equal   to  the    command   I  am 
honoured  with. 

"  As  to  pay,  sir,  I  br>g  leave  to  assure  the  congress,  that  as 
no  pecuniary  consideration  could  have  tempted  me  to  accept 
this  arduous  employment,  at  the  expense  of  my  domestic  ease 
and  happiness.  I  do  not  wish  to  make  any  profit  from  it.  I  will 
keep  an  exact  account  of  my  expenses.'  Those  I  douU  not 
they  will  discharge,  and  that  is  all  I  desire.'' 

15 


170  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

On  presenting  this  special  commission  to  Gen.  Washington, 
a  resolution  was  unanimously  adopted,  that  "  they  would  main 
tain  and  assist  him,  and  adhere  to  him,  with  their  lives  and 
fortunes  in  the  cause  of  American  liberty."  Immediately  af 
ter  this,  was  the  appointment  of  four  IvJajor  Generals,  Artemas 
Ward,  Charles  Lee,  PhiJip  Schuyler,  and  Israel  Putnam  ;  and 
eight  Brigadier  Generals,  Seth  Pomeroy,  Richard  Montgome 
ry,  David  Wooster,  William  Heath,  Joseph  Spencer,  John 
Sullivan,  and  Nathaniel  Green. 

On  the  2d  of  July,  fifteen  days  from  the  date  of  his  commis 
sion,  Washington  arrived  at  Head  Quarters,  in  Cambridge,  ac 
companied  by  General  Lee,  and  several  other  gentlemen. 
The  sentiment  felt  and  expressed  throughout  the  country  was, 
that  "  under  God,  Washington  must  be  the  Saviour  of  his 
country."  What  was  their  presentiment,  is  now  historic  re 
cord. 

General  Washington  entered  on  the  duties  of  his  new  office, 
under  the  most  discouraging  circumstances.  He  was  indeed 
at  the  head  of  14,000  men,  but  without  discipline,  without  or 
der,  and  nearly  destitute  of  military  stores,  and  of'  most  of  tha 
conveniences  necessary  to  the  well  being  of  an  army.  New 
efforts  and  new  energies  became  necessary,  and  they  were  ap 
plied  with  effect.  * 

At  this  time,  general  Howe  commanded  the  main  body  of 
the  British  army,  which  was  posted  on  Bunker's  Hill.  Anoth 
er  division  was  securely  stationed  near  Roxbury.  The  fleet 
covered  the  reserve,  and  Boston. 

The  main  body  of-  the  American  army  was  posted  at  Cam 
bridge,  under  the  guardianship  of  the  commander  in  chief. 
The  right  rested  on  Iloxbn-y,  under  General  Ward,  and  the 
left  was  securely  posted  on  Prospect  Hill,  under  general  Lee. 
About  3000  men  filled  the  'intermediate  spaces,  under  the  com 
mand  of  genera]  Putnam  and  o'.hurs.  The  American  army, 
thus  posted,  held  a  controlling  power,  which  left  the  British  in 
a  state  of  sir.-g-"-,  or  at.  least  of  a  land  blockade. 

On  the  14!  h  und  22d  of  June,  Congress  ordered  a  battalion 
of  riflemen  to  be  raised  in  Virginia  and  Pennsylvania,  and 
such  was  the  spirit  of  patriotism  in  these  States,  that  on  the 
7th  of  August,  they  were  raised,  accoutred  and  embodied 
with  the  army,  without  drawing-  on  the  public  treasury  for  a 
single  cent. 

At  this  time  the  wants  of  the  army  were  truly  embarrass 
ing,  and  exposed  the  Americans  to  great  danger,  in  the  event 
of  an  attack,  which  was  anticipated.  Among  the  most  impor 
tant,  were  the  want  of  ammunition  and  bayonets.  Carnp 
equipage  and  engineers  we/'N  in  great  request,  and  the  disaf 
fection  of  officers,  occasioned  by  certain  appointments  of  Con- 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  171 

gress,  \vere  truly  distressing.  Added  to  this,  that  many  of  the 
troops  were  to  be  disbanded  in  November,  and  the  longest 
term  of  service  wouid  close  with  the  year.  But  the  zeal  which 
was  the  fruit  of  a  righteous  cause,  prevailed,  and  they  were 
enabled  to  conquer  their  difficulties.  Had  the  enemy  known 
their  vulnerable  points  the  result,  might  have  been  very  differ 
ent. 

The  British  force  had  lately  been  augmented  by  a  reinforce- 
ment  of  8000  men,  and  the  commander  in  chief  of  course  cal 
led  a  council  to  settle  on  a  plan  of  operations  for  the  summer 
campaign.  This  council  determined  on  a  blockade,  as  the 
want  of  ammunition  precluded  the  idea  of  an  assault  on  the 
town.  Of  the  British  force  it  had  been  well  ascertained,  that 
siace  the  19th  of  April  2500  of  the  army  had,  by  various 
means  been  lost,  and  it  was  thought  thai  before  the  recruits 
should  arrive  in  the  spring  the  army  would  be  much  weak 
ened. 

About  this  tims,  an  invitation  was  sent  (o  New  York,  by 
general  Gage,  to  enlist  as  volunteers  the  foreign  seamen  who 
might  be  there.  In  October,  Falmouth,  in  Massachusetts, 
was  burnt  by  order  of  the  English  government,  which  directed 
that  i he  towns  on  the  sea  coast  should  be  laid  waste  for  the  sin 
of  rebellion.  But  the  step  was  as  impolitic  as  it  was  inhuman. 
The  flames  of  Fahnouth,  like  those  of  Charlestons,  roused  the 
spirit  of  the  colonies  afresh,  and  called  forth  more  union  and 
greater  exertions.  Frigates  and  privateers  were  fitted  for  sea 
and  commissioned  against  the  commerce  of  the  enemy,  and 
two  battalions  of  marines  were  raised  for  that  service.  Crui 
sers  were  sent  out  to  intercept  supplies  for  t  he  British — a  spir 
it  of  adventure  was  raised,  and  success  attended  them.  Capt. 
Manley,  of  the  privateer  Lee,  took  a  rich  store  ship  laden  with 
supplies  for  the  army  in  Boston,  which  encouraged  the  Ameri 
cans,  in  proportion  as  it  disheartened  and  distressed  the  enemy, 
for  whose  use  the  supplies  were  much  needed. 

On  hearing  tidings  of  'the  battle  at  Lexington,  the  spirit  of 
South  Carolina  awaken^  to  the  situation  of  the  nation.  Her 
provincial  Congresfe  was  convened,  and  the  following  covenant 
was  passed)  by  an  unanimous  resolution. 

"  Thoroughly  convinced,  that  under  our  present  distressed 
circumstances,  we  shall  be  justified  before  God  and  man,  in  re 
sisting  force  by  force  :  \Ve  do  unite  ourselves  under  every  tie 
of  religion  and  honor,  and  associate  as  a  band  of  brothers,  in 
defence  of  our  injured  country,  against  every  foe  ;  hereby  sol 
emnly  engaging,  that  whenever  our  continental  or  provincial 
councils  shall  decree  it  necessary,  we  will  go  forth  and  be  ready 
to  sacrifice  our  lives  and  fortunes  to  secure  her  defence  and 
safely.  This  covenant  to  continue  in  force,  until  a  reconcilia- 


172  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

tion  shall  take  place  between  Great  Britain  and  America,  upon 
constitutional  principles  ;  an  event,  which  we  most  heartily  de 
sire.  And  we  will  hold  (hose  persons  criminal  to  the  liberty 
of  these  colonies,  who  shall  refuse  to  subscribe  to  this  associa 
tion." 

The  result  of  this  resolution  was  such  as  might  be  expected. 
Two  regiments  of  infantry,  and  one  of  rangers  was  raised  for 
common  defence,  and  the  language  of  the  day  was  in  unison 
with  that  of  the  other  colonies,  nearer  the  seat  of  danger. 
Having  organized  their  affairs  with  a  view  to  the  situation  of 
the  country,  they  adjourned.  But  we  must  here  remark,  that 
South  Carolina  was  noi  alone  in  the  spirit  of  resistance.  The 
king's  governors  were  removed  from  office  in  the  neighbouring 
colonies,  and  the  people  assumed  the  responsibility  of  self  gov 
ernment.  Committees  of  safety  were  appointed,  and  means 
taken  to  attend  to  their  own  business  in  their  own  way. 

The  efforts  of  the  colonies  generally,  were  directed  to  the 
supplies  wanted  by  the  army  near  Boston.  Powder  was  pur 
chased  in  foreign  ports,  some  was  obtained  from  Bermuda,  ana' 
about  three  and  a  half  tons  was  received  by  General  Washing 
ton  from  the  British  forts  on  the  coast  of  Africa.  The  colonies 
also,  set  about  the  manufacture  of  this  article. 

Intelligence  was  received  at  head  quarters,  that  the  Cana 
dians  had  received  the  addresses  from  Congress  in  a  favourable 
manner,  and  that  they  would  not  act  against  the  colonies.  An 
expedition  was  set  out  for  Quebec  on  the  19lh  of  September, 
consisting  of  one  thousand  men,  under  Col.  Arnold,  by  way  of 
Kennebec.  lie  arrived  at  his  place  of  destination  on  the  9th 
of  November,  after  traversing  a  pathless  wilderness,  and  en 
countering  the  greatest  hardships  and  privations.  About  the 
same  time,  general  Montgomery  entered  Canada  byway  of 
Lake  Chan* plain,  in  company  with  general  Schuyler.  He  laid 
siege  to  St.  John's  on  the  8th  of  October.  Sir  Guy  Carleton, 
Governor  01  Canada,  with  eight  hundred  men,  went  to  the 
relief  of  the  place,  but  the  green  mountain  boys,  under  colonel 
Warner,  defeated  him.  Chamblee  was  surprised  and  taken, 
with  six  tons  of  powder,  by  Brown  and  Livingston,  which  was 
used  to  reduce  St.  Johns,  which  surrendered  on  the  2d  of  No- 
ve.mber  and  the  garrison  was  made  prisoners.  During  the 
siege,  col.  Allen  invested  Montreal,  but  was  defeated,  taken 
prisoner,  and  sent  to  England  in  irons,  to  be  tried  for  trea 
son. 

General  Montgomery  entered  Montreal  in  triumph,  on  th<* 
12th  of  November,  and  but  five  days  afterwards,  eleven  sail  of 
vessels,  general  Prescott.  several  other  officers,  and  one  hun 
dred  and  twenty  privates,  a  large  supply  of  flour,  beef,  butter, 
&c.  cannon,  tmall  arms,  and  military  stores,  were  taken.  AH" 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  173 

of  these  were  useful  in  the  nrosr-c :ition  of  the  war.  In  the 
night  Governor  Carleton  escaped  in  a  canoe,  with  muffled  pa(J- 
d!es,  and  shaped  his  course  tor  Quebec,  where  he  arrived  in 
safely. 

On  the  first  of  December,  general  Montgomery  formed  a 
junction  with  colonel  Arrioll,  before  Quebec,  and  operations 
to  carry  it  by  storm  were  commenced  on  the  fifth.  The  garri 
son  of  tiiis  second  Gibraltar  consisted  of  fifteen  hundred  men, 
under  command  of  the  governor.  Trenches  were  opened  in 
the  depth  of  a  Can  ul'an  winter,  and  the  siege  was  commenced. 
A  council  of  war  was  now  called,  which  acceded  to  the  views 
of  the  general,  and  were  nearly  unanimous  in  resolving  to 
take  the  city  by  assault.  Arrangements  were  made,  and  on 
tho  morning-  of  the  31st,  the  signal  was  given  for  the  attack, 
by  a  discharge  of  rockets.  The  soldiers  advanced  with  firm 
ness,  but  tiie  rockets  had  s^\en  warning,  and  the  garrison  was 
prepared  to  receive  it.  The  n  st  division  commanded  by  gen 
eral  Montgomery,  attempted  to  enter  the  lower  town  by  the 
margin  of  the  river,  The  first  battery  was  carried,  and  the 
guard  dispersed.  The  discharge  of  a  single  gun  from  the 
abandoned  batter;7,  killed  general  Montgomery,  captains  Mac- 
pherbon  and  Cheesman,  with  several  others,  and  the  trcops 
being1  appalled,  retired,  and  the  enterprise  was  abandoned. 
The  second  division  was  commundod  by  colonel  Arnold,  who 
entered  the  Uwer  town,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  city.  A 
solitary  field  piece,  mounted  on  a  sled,  commanded  by  captain 
Lamb,  and  guarded  by  a  co  npany  of  artillery,  next  entered, 
and  the  main  body  brought  up  the  rear.  Colonel  Arnold  was 
wounded  by  a  musket  ball  in  the  leg,  at  the  head  of  the  brave 
band,  while  forcing  the  first  barrier.  The  bone  was  fractured, 
and  he- re  tired  from  (he  combat.  Caloncl  Morgan  now  took 
the  command,  curried  the  first  barrier  by  storm,  and  assaulted 
tiie  second  with  a  prospect  of  success,  not  knowing  the  fate  of 
general  Montgomery. 

Majors  Bigelow  and  Meigs  now  came  up  with  abotit  two 
hundred  men.  The  second  barrier  was  char£?d,  amidst  a 
shower  of  musquetry,  and  the  barrier  was  mounted.  But  to  their 
astonishment,  a  forest  ofbri-tly  bayonets  for  bade  their  en  trancing. 
On  the  advance,  death  was  certain,  and  the  danger  of  a  retreat 
was  great.  They  retired  into  adjacent  buildings,  and  de 
fended  themselves  until  overpowered  by  numbers,  when  they 
were  compelled  to  surrender.  The  general  was  killed,  about 
four  hundred  men  killed  and  wounded,  and,  after  all  their  la 
bours  and  privations,  the  daring  enterprise  entirely  failed.  The 
loss  of  General  Montgomery  was  severely  felt  by  the  nation,  and 
Congross  voted  to  erect  a  monument  to  aid  memory,  which 

15* 


174  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

was  accordingly  done,  and  may  be  seen  in  St.  Paul's   Church, 
New-York. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Revolution  continued. 

In  October,  1775,  Gen.  Gage  was  succeeded  by  General 
Howe,  in  command  of  the  British  troops  at  Boston,  which 
had  boon  blockaded  through  the  winter  by  the  army  under 
Washington.  Congress  being-  desirous  to  support  the  views 
of  the  commander- In-chief,  resolved,  "  That  if  General  Wash 
ington  ar.d  his  council  of  war  shall  be  of  opinion  that  a 
successful  attack  may  be  made  upon  the  troops  in  Boston,  he 
should  make  it  in  any  manner  he  might  think  expedient,  not 
withstanding  the  town  and  property  in  it  might  be  destroyed. 

In  the  reply  of  the  general,  he  thus  speaks: — "It  is  not  in 
the  pages  of  history  to  furnish  a  case  like  ours.  To  maintain  a 
post  within  musket  shot  of  the  enemy  for  six  months  together, 
without  ammunition,  and  at  the  same  time  to  disband  one  army 
and  recruit  another,  within  that  distance  of  twenty  odd  British 
regiments,  is  more  than  probably  ever  was  attempted;  but  if 
we  succeed  in  the  latter  as  we  have  done  in  the  former  I  shall 
think  it  one  of  the  most  fortunate  events  of  rny  whole  life." 

That  we  may  be  able  to  judge  of  the  means  at  this  time  possess 
ed  by  Washington,  for  offensive  operations,  it  i's  merely  neces 
sary  to  observe,  that  his  whole  force  consisted  of  less  than  nine 
thousand  men,  two  thousand  of  whom  were  utterly  destitute  of 
arms.  The  general  pressed  Congress  to  raise  a  regular  army  for 
a  stipulated  time  as  a  safe  project  on  which  the  country  might 
securely  rely.  The  propriety  of  this  step  was  seen  by  Con 
gress,  and  on  the  first  of  March  the  army  numbered  fourteen 
thousand,  and  was  soon  reinforced  by  six  thousand  of  the  militia, 
amounting  in  all  to  twenty  thousand.  His  operations  now  com 
menced  in  good  earnest.  The  detachment  at  Roxbury  was  or 
dered  to  take  possession  of  Dorchester  Heights,  while  the 
commander  in  clrief  was  to  cover  this  motion  by  a  bombard 
ment  of  the  town.  Oo  the  night  of  the  fourth  of  March,  this 
was  accomplished,  and  works  thrown  up  which  would  secure 
them  from  the  guns  of  the  enemy. 

The  light  of  day  opened  the  eyes  of  the  commanding  gen 
eral  to  the  danger  of  his  situation.  One  of  two  things  must  be 
done,  and  that  immediately.  Either  the  American  troops  must 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  175 

be  disloged,  or  Boston  must  be  evacuated.  The  English  Admiral 
eaw  that  the  fleet  was  at  the  mercy  of  the  provincials,  and  the 
General  determined  to  attempt  a  dislodgement.  Three  thousand 
men  were  detached  for  the  service,  and  Lord  Percy,  who  was 
to  command  the  expedition,  actually  embarked  for  (he  execu 
tion  of  the  project.  He  was  however,  providentially  prevent 
ed  from  the  attempt,  by  the  roughness  of  weather.  In  expecta 
tion  of  this,  however,  Washington,  had  made  preparations  to 
attack  Boston,  the  moment  the  British  General  should  com 
mence  a  hostile  step  in  this  quarter. 

Gen.  Howe,  finding  himself  very  unpleasantly  situated,  sent 
a  flag  of  truce  to  tl-.e  American  head  quarters,  notifying  gene 
ral  Washington  of  his  intention  to  evacuate  Boston,  but  threat 
ened  to  destroy  the  town,  in  case  he  should  be  molested.  On 
the  16th,  at  night,  the  British  troops  embarked,  and  the  next 
day  sailed  for  Nantasket  Roads,  and,  in  a  few  days,  the  whole 
fleet  set  sail  for  Halifax.  Immediately  after  the  evacuation  of 
the  English  army,  Washington  entered  the  town,  and  spread 
joy  through  the  colonies. 

"The  joy  of  the  inhabitants  was  excessive,  and  the  general 
was  received  with  every  demonstration  of  gratitude.  They 
were  now  relieved  fro'n  tiie  abuses  of  an  insolent  soldiery,  and 
from  the  distresses  occasioned  by  hunger.  A  resoluMon  was 
passed  in  congress,  expressing  the  thanks  of  'he  naiioti,  and  a 
gold  medal  was  ordered  to  be  struck  with  an  appropriate  de 
vice,  commemorating  fha  event,  which  should  b»  presented  to 
the  commander  in  chief. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  royal  governo-s  at  the  south  were  aot 
idle.  Lord  Dunmore,  of  Virginia,  endeavoured  to  counterwork 
the  revolution.  But  he  was  compelled  by  the  patriots  of  that 
state,  to  relinquish  the  attempt,  and  to  go  on  board  the  fleet 
for  safety.  Chagrined  at  his  defeat,  he  determined  to  avenge 
The  affront,  and  on  the  night  of  the  first  of  January,  1776, 
he  caused  fire  to  be  set  at  Norfolk,  which  was  destroyed. 
These  depredations  were  continued  until  they  disgusted  the 
most  loyal  of  his  party,  when  lie  departed  with  his  booty  of 
aboyt  one  thousand  negroes,  when  he  departed  for  Florida  and 
the  Bermudas.  In  Nerth  Carolina,  the  governorattempted the 
same  play,  btit  his  plot  was  defeated,  and  the  insurrection  wa» 
suppressed  by  the  patriotism  and  intelligence  of  the  people. 

About  the  middle  of  February,  the  American  navy,  under 
commodore  Hopkins,  set  sail  from  cape  Henlo^'n,  and  soon 
surprised  and  dismantled  aTort  in  New  Providence,  taking  off 
forty  pieces  of  iron  ordnance,  and  fifteen  brass  mortars.  The 
governor,  lieutenant  governor  and  one  counsellor  ieli  into  the 
power  of  the  commodore-  In  the  fore  part  of  March,  the  fleet 
captured  a  British  schooner,  and  the  next  day,  Uuk  a  bomb  brig, 


176  UNIVERSAL    HISTORY   OF 

laden  with  arms  and  military  stores.  On  the  day  preceding-, 
the  fleet  engaged  a  sloop  of 'wv,  carrying  20  guns,  but  night 
separated  them,  and  the  next  day  the  sloop  escaped  into  New- 
poit. 

When  the  intelligence  of  the  two  first  battles  between  the 
and  the  colonists  reached  Great  Britain,  with  the  infor 
mation  tLat  general  Washington  \vas  appointed  commander  in 
chief,  the  impros-ions  on  the  people  and  the  government  were 
riouf.  The  king  and  the  ministry  however,  determined 
to  carry  on  the  war.  On  the  26th  of  October,  the  parliament 
livened,  and  the  speech  of  the  king  evidently  supported 
the  unnatural  controversy.  In  both  houses,  the  opposition  was 
strong,  but  the  ministry  prevailed,  and  the  supplies  wereg-r»nt- 
ed.  Sir  Peter  Parker  and  Earl  Cornwailis  sailed  from  Ports 
mouth  in  December,  for  Ireland,  with  Hie  ships  Acteon  and 
Thunderbomb.  a?  a  convoy  for  the  transports,  with  four  thou 
sand  troops,  intended  for  service  in  the  col«  nies.  In  this  fleet, 
came  colonel  Allen,  who  had  been  confined  in  Pendinnis  castle, 
Cornwall,  and  treated  with  much  seven'y.  A  subscription  was 
opened  for  him  and  his  companions  in  Ireland,  which  was  the 
first  humane  attention  which  he  had  received  since  his  impri- 
Bonment. 

About  this  time,  the  bargain  with  the  king  of  England,  for 
17,000  men  to  be  employed  in  this  war,  by  the  prince  of  Hesse 
Cassel,  the  duke  of  Brunswick,  and  other  German  princes,  \vaa 
sanctioned  in  parliament,  by  a  vote  of  242  to  58.  In  the  spring 
of  1776,  two  dirisioi.s  of  these  mercenaries  sailed  to  America. 
The  estimate  for  the  service  against  the  liberties  of  America, 
amounted  to  60,000  men. 

The  Cork  fleet,  under  theconroy  of  Admiral  Parker,  arrived 
in  cape  Fear  river,  on  the  3  i  of  May,  where  they  were  joined 
by  General  Clinton,  from  the  northern  army.  On  the  5th,  the 
offer  of  pardon,  on  certain  conditions,  was  published  by  th-> 
general,  but  finding  his  efforts  to  stem  th  •  tide  of  popular  feeling, 
§  of  little  avail,  the  fleet  sailed  for  Charleston,  S.  C.  and  anchor 
ed  off  Sullivan's  Island,  about  the  first  of  June.  Tr  e  siege  of 
Charleston  was  opened  by  the  offer  of  pardon,  as  in  North  Car 
olina,  and  with  equal  effect.  The  day  of  proclarnations'and 
smooth  words  had  come  too  late.  Governor  Rutledge  had  pre 
pared  for  a  vigorous  defence,  and  the  militia  cheerfully  rallied 
around  the  flag  of  their  country.  At  this  critical  moment, 
general  Lee  appeared  at  the  head  of  some  northern  regiments, 
and  took  the  command  of  Charleston.  The  enemy  crossed  the 
bar  on  the  26lh  of  June,  with  a  number  of  ships  arid  frigates, 
aod  operations  were  commenced  with  little  delay.  The  fire 
from  the  American  fort  and  batteries,  however,  was  too  galling, 
&nd  the  squadron  was  compelled  to  withdraw,  after  the  loss  of 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  177 

one  fifty  gun  ship,  and  a  damage  to  o'hers,  which  rendered  them 
for  the '.  -      w.     O.ie  may  form  an  es< .  .-:•  coa- 

test,  by  learning  the  fact,  that  7009  loose  ball.-  :--d  up 

on  Sullivan's  Island,  after  the  b  . 

Tife  garrisoii  in  i  lie  fort  consisted  of  about  three  hundred  and 
seveiv ;.  "ars,  and   .  .  .  .  ..lonel 

Moultrie.     The:    *  -)  mounted  but  twenty  six,  nine,  and 

eighteen  pounders.     Tue  British  force  was  three  thousand  uiea 
on  board  i.wy  snips  of  fifty  gun-  e^ch,  four  frigates  of  t» 
eight  guns  each,  and  some  saial. 

This  severe  repulse  obtainei  a  respite  from  the  calamities  of 
war,  for  more  than  two  years  in  the  southern  states. 

Of  those  who  deserve  an  honourable  notice  ia  tins  action, 
sergeant.  Jasper  must  not  be  forgotten.  During'  the  iisat  of  the 
engagement,  the  fl  ig-,staff  was  shot  away,  and  fell  into  the  ditoh. 
The  inhabitants  of  Charleston  considered  this  aS  a  token  of  sub 
mission.  Wnen  the  intrepid  sergeant  discovered  it,  he j  imped 
-:-  ditch,  seized  the  flaj,  st-cuied  it  to  a  sponge-staff,  and 
erected  it  again  in  the  heat  of  the  action.  For  this  act  of 
bravery,  the  governor  the  next  day,  presented  him  a  sword. 

The  result'of  this  battle  led  to  the  declaration  of  indepen 
dence.  It  had  blown  ihespark  of  liberty  into  a  steady  fl  ime, 
and  prepared  the  minds  of  the  people  for  an  event  to  which 
many  looked  with  the  deepest  solicitude.  Tiie  spirit  which  lived 
in  congress,  was  united  bv  instructions  from  the  colonies,  and 
the  country  now  secerned  ripe  for  entire  separation  from  the 
mother  country.  A  resolution  was  moved  in  congress  by  Rich 
ard  Henry  Lee,  and  seconded  by  John  Adams,  in  the  following 
words,  which  passed  unanimously. 

Resolved,  that  ihe*e  United  Colonies  are,  and  of  right  ought 
to  be  free  and  independent  stale*  ;  and  that  all  political  con 
nexion  between  them  and  Great  Bri'.am  is,  and  ought  to  be 
dissolved." 

In  defence  of  this  motion,  Mr.  Lee  addressed  the  house  in  ;\ 
very  animal  ed  strain,  which  he  closed  in  the  following- language; 
'•  Why  then  do  we  longer  delay,  why  still  deliberate  ?  Let  this 
happy  day  give  birth  to  the  American  republic.  Let  her  arisi% 
not  to  devastate  and  conquer,  but  to  re-establish  the  reign  of 
peace  and  of  the  laws.  The  eyes  of  Europe  are  fixed  upon  us  ; 
she  demands  of  us  a  living  example  of  freedom,  that  may  GJO- 
trast,  by  the  felicity  of  the  citizen?,  with  the  ever  increasing 
tyranny  which  desolates  her  polluted  shares.  She  invites  us  to 
prepare  an  asylum,  where  the  unhappy  may  find  soloce,  and 
the  perecout-e<l  repose.  She  entreats  us  to  cultivate  a  propi 
tious  soil,  where  that  generous  plant,  which  first  sprang  up  and 
•-!i  England,  but  is  now  withered  by  the  poisonous  blasts 
ofScottish  tyranny,  may  revive  and  flourish,  sheltering  under 


178  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

its  salubrious  and  interminable  shade,  all  the  unfortunate  of  the 
human  race. 

"  This  is  the  end  presages  by  so  many  omens, by  ouv  first  vic 
tories,  by  the  present  ardour  and  union,  by  the  flight  of  Howe, 
and  the  pestilence  which  broke  out  amongst  Duninore's  people, 
by  the  very  winds  which  baffled  the  enemy's  fleets  and  trans 
ports,  and  that  terrible  tempest  which  ingulphed  seven  hundred 
vessels  upon  the  coast  of  Newfoundland.  If  we  are  not  this 
day  wanting  in  our  duty  to  our  country,  the  names  of  the 
American  legislators  will  be  placed,  by  posterity,  at  the  side  of 
tiiose  of  Theseus,  of  Lycurgus,  of  Romulus,  of  Numa,  of  the 
three  Williams  of  Nassau,  and  of  all  those  whose  memory  has 
been,  and  will  be  forever  dear  to  virtuous  men,  and  good  citi 
zens." 

The  members  of  congress  from  Pennsylvania  and  Maryland 
were  not  present,  and  the  deliberations  on  the  subject  were 
postponed  to  the  first  of  July.  On  that  day  the  discussion  was 
renewed,  and  on  the  Fourth  of  July,  1776,  the  report  of  the 
special  committee  was  adopted,  dissolving  the  allegiance  of  the 
colonies  to  the  Beitish  crown,  and  declaring  therm  Free  and  la- 
dependent,  under  the  style  of  the  Thirteen  United  States  of 
America.  The  committee  who  drafted  this  instrument,  consisted 
of  Messrs.  Thomas  Jefferson,  John  Adams,  Benjamin  Franklin, 
Roger  sherrnan,  and  Philip  Livingston. 

This  declaration  was  signed  by  all  (he  members  of  congress, 
whose  names,  and  the  states  to  which  they  respectively  belong 
ed  were  as  follows. 

John  Hancock,  President,  from  Massachusetts. 
JVeio   Hampshire.  Delaware. 

Joeiah  L>artl<-tt,     '  Cesar  Rodney, 

William  Whipple,  George  Road. 
Mat  hew  Thornton.  Marylarid. 

Massachusetts.  Samuel  Chase, 

Samuel  Adams,  William  Paca, 

John  Adams,  Thomas  Stone, 

Robert  Treat  Paine,  Charles  Carroll  of  Carrollton. 
Elbridge  Gerry.  Virginia. 

Rhode-Island.  George  VVythe, 

Stephen  Hopkins,  Richard  Henry  Lee, 

William  Ellery,  Thomas  Jefferson, 

Connecticut.  Benjamin   Harrison, 

Roger  Sherman,  Thomas  Nelson,  Jun. 

Samuel  Huritington,  Thomas  Lig-htfoot  T.eo, 

William  Williams,  Carter  Braxton. 
Oliver  Vtolcott. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  179 

New-York.  James  Smith, 

William  Floyd,  George  Taylor, 

Philip  Livingston,  Jamss  Wilson, 

Francis  Lewis,  George  Ross. 
Lewis  Morris.  ^Vorth  Carojjna. 

A~ew  Jersey.  William  Hooper, 

Richard  Stockton,  Joseph  Ilewes, 

John  Witherspoon,  John  Penn. 
Francis  Hopkinson,  South  Carolina. 

John  Hart,  Edward  Rutledge, 

Abraham  Clark.  Thomas  Hayward,  Jun. 

Pensylvania.  Thomas  Lynch,  Jun. 

Robert  Morris,  Arthur  Middleton. 
Benjamin  Rush,  Georgia. 

Benjamin  Franklin,  Button  Gwimiett, 

John  Morton,  Lyman  Hall, 

George  Ciymer,  George  Walton. 

This  declaration  was  received  by  the  people  with  transports 
of  joy-  Public  rejoicings  took  place  in  various  part:- of  (he 
Union.  In  New  York,  the  statue  of  George  III.  was  taken 
down,  and  the  lead,  of  which  it  was  composed,  was  converted 
into  musket  balls.  In  Bo.ston,  the  garrison  w?.s  drawn  up  in 
King's  street,  which  from  that  moment,  took  the  name  of  State 
street,  and  thirteen  salute-,  by  thirteen  detachments,  into  which 
the  troops  were  formed,  were  fired  ;  the  bells  of  the  town  were 
rung,  in  token  of  felicitation,  and  the  evening  concluded  with 
the  tearing  in  pieces,  and  burning,  the  ensigns  of  royalty — 
lions,  sceptres,  and  crowns. 


DECLARATION  OF  INDEPENDENCE. 

PREAMBLE. 

"  When,  in  the  course  of  human  event?,  it  becomes  neces 
sary  for  one  people  to  dissolve  the  political  bands  that  Iwve 
united  them  with  another,  and  to  assume  among  the  powers  of 
the  errih,  the  separate  and  equal  stations,  to  which  the  laws 
of  nature  and  of  nature's  God,  enti'le  them,  a  decent  respect 
to  the  opinions  of  mankind  requires,  that  they  should  declare 
the  causes  which  impel  them  to  a  separation. 

"  We  hold  these  truths  to  be  self-evident ;  that  all  men   are 

created  equal:  that   they  are  endowed  by  their  Creator,    with 

.:i  unalienable  rights;  that  among   these  are  life,  liberty, 

ttiiii    the  pursuit  of  happiness  ;  that  to  secure  these  rghis,  go- 


180  UNIVERSAL    HISTORY  OP 

vernmcnts  are  instituted  amongst  men,  deriving  their  just 
ers  from  the  consent  of  the  governed  :  that  whenever  any  form 
of  government  becomes  de^ructive  of  these  ends,  it  is  the 
right  of  the  people  to  alter  or  abolish  it,  and  to  institute  a  new 
government,  laying  its  foundation  on  such  principles,  and  or 
ganizing  its  powers  in  such  form,  as  to  them  shall  seem  most 
likely  to  effect  their  safety  and  iappimss. 

"  Prudence  indeed,  will  did  e,  that  governments  long  es 
tablished,  should  not  he  cha:  d  ibr  light  and  transient  causes: 
and  accordingly  all  experiei.:  e  liath  shewn  that  mankind  are 
more  disposed  to  suffer,  while,  nvils  are  gufTerable,  than  to  right 
themselves,  by  abolishing  the  forms  to  which  they  are  accus 
tomed.  But  when  a  long  train  of  abuses  and  usurpations,  pur 
suing  invariably  the  some  object,  evinces  a  design  to  reduce 
them  under  absolute  despotism  ;  it  is  their  right,  it  is  thf-ir 
duty,  to  throw  off  such  a  government,  pnd  to  provide  new  guards 
for  their  fu'ure  security.  Such  has  been  the  patient  sufferance 
of  these  colonies,  and  such  is  the  necessity  now  that  constrains 
them  to  alter  their  former  sjstrms  of  government." 

Having  already  recapitulated  the  causes  which  principally 
led  to  the  separation  of  the  colonies  from  Great  Britain,  they 
nef  d  not  here  be  repeated.  We  shall  therefore  proceed  to  that 
part  of  the  instrument  which  exhibits  the  course  taken  by  the 
colonies,  in  consequence  of  British  aggressions,  arid  their 
determination,  at  all  hazards,  to  dissolve  the  ties  which  bound 
them  to  the  mother  country. 

"•  In  every  stage  of  these  oppressions,  we  have  petitioned  for 
redress,  in  the  most  humble  mariner.  Our  repeated  petitions 
have  hern  answered  only  by  repeated  injury.  Nor  have  we 
been  wanting  in  attention  to  our  British  brethren.  We  have 
warned  them,  from  lime  to  time,  of  attempts  by  their  legisla 
ture,  to  extend  an  i  mvarranu.hlc  jurisdiction  over  us. — We 
have  reminded  them  of  the  circumstances  of  our  emigration 
and  settlement  here.  We  have  iippr-aled  to  their  native,  justice 
and  magnanimity,  and  we  have,  cot  jured  them  by  the  ties  of 
our  common  kindred, to  disavow  these  usurpations,  which  would 
inevitably  interrupt  our  c<  nriexions  and  correspondence.  They 
too  nave  been  deaf  to  the  voice  of  jut-'ice,  and  of  consanguini 
ty.  We  must  therefore  acquiesce  in  the  necessity,  which 
denounces  our  separation,  and  hold  them,  as  we  hold  the  rett 
of  mankind,  enemies  iu  war,  in  prace,  friends. 

"We,  theiffore,  the  reprc-peinutivcs  "f  the  United  States  of 
America,  in  conjrress  assembled,  nj  p  .;.  ,  g  to  the  Supreme 
Judge  of  the  world  for  I  he  rrciitudc  ot  our  intentions,  do,  in 
the  name,  and  by  the  authority  of  the  good  people  of  these 
colonies,  solemnly  publish  at.d  declare,  that  these  united  eolo- 
are,  aijd  of  right  ought  to  be,  free  and  Independent  states; 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  181 

that  they  are  absolved  from  all  allegiance  to  the  British  crown  ; 
and  that  all  political  connexion  between  them  and  Great  Bri 
tain,  is,  and  ought  to  be,  totally  dissolved;  and  that  as  free  and 
independent  stales,  they  have  full  power  to  levy  war,  conclude 
peace,  contract  alliances,  establish  commerce,  and  do  all  other 
acts  and  things,  that  independent  states  may  do.  And  for  the 
support  of  this  declaration,  with  a  firm  reliance  on  Divine  Pro 
vidence,  we  mutually  pledge  to  each  other  our  lives,  our  for 
tunes,  and  our  sacred  honors." 

The  effects  produced  on  the  people  of  the  United  Stales  by 
this  declaration,  were  uniformly  those  of  joy  and  exultation. 
The  flame  wuich  had  been  smothered  during  ten  years  of  suffer 
ings,  now  burst  forth  in  acts  and  expressions  v  hich  could  not 
b6  misunderstood.  In  various  parts  of  the  union,  public  re 
joicings  were  the  result.  In  New  York  the  equestrian  statue 
of  George  III,  in  Bawling  Green,  was  hauled  d«»wn  and  con 
verted  into  bullets.  The  garrison  at  Boston  was  paraded  in 
King's  street,  which  was  thenceforward  named  State  street. 
Thirteen  detachments  fired  as  many  salutes,  and  the  bells  rung 
in  merry  peals,  felicitating  the  citizens  on  the  joyous  intelli 
gence.  To  conclude  the  evening,  the  ensigns  of  royalty  were 
either  torn  to  pieces  or  consumed.  But  in  no  place  was  the 
excitement  greater  than  in  Virginia.  The  convention  was 
then  in  session,  and  decreed,  among  other  things,  that  "  the 
name  of  the  king  should  be  suppressed  in  all  public  prayers.11 
The  great  seal  of  the  commonwealth  was  aiteit-d.  The 
tutelary  genius  of  the  province  was  represented  by  Virtue, 
"  robed  in  the  drapery  of  an  Amazon,  resting  «ne  iiand  upon 
her  lance,"  while  the  other  grasped  a  sword.  She  was  repre 
sented  as  trampling  on  tyranny,  characterised  by  a  prostrate 
man,  from  whose  head  a  crown  had  fallen,  carrying  "  in  one 
hand  a  broken  chain,  and  in  the  other  a  scourge."  J'irgir.ia 
was  at  the  foot,  and  round  the  figure  of  Virtue — "  sic  semper 
tyrannis.''  On  the  reverse  was  a  group  of  figures,  m  the 
midst  of  which  stood  Liberty,  with  her  wasd  and  cap;  on  one 
side  was  Ceres,  with  a  horn  of  plenty  in  the  right  hand,  and  a 
sheaf  of  wheat  in  the  left.  On  the  other  side  appeared  E  er- 
nity,  with  the  Globe  and  the  Phoenix — At  the  loot  are  these 
words  : — Dt  us  tiobis  hose  otia  facil. 

The  Americans  now  made  a  permanent  stand;  they  had 
gone  too  far  to  recede  ;  and  the  Tree  of  Liberty  could  thrive 
only,  when  nurtured  oy  the  blood  of  the  country.  The  blow 
had  now  been  struck  ,il<l  not  be  recalled,  and  it  was 

aimed  at  British  power  and  influence  in  America,  and  the  blow 
ataV 

16 


182  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Revolution  Continued. — Capture  of  New    York. 

On  the  evacuation  of  Boston  by  general  Howe,  Washington 
euspected  that  the  possession  of  New  York  would  be  a  favourite 
object.  To  prevent  this,  if  possible,  he  determined  to  make 
that  city  his  head  quarters,  and  thus  to  prevent  its  occupation 
by  the  British  general.  He  accordingly  soon  removed  to  that 
city,  with  the  principal  part  of  bis  army. 

On  the  28th  of  June,  general  Howe  arrived  at  Sandy  Hook, 
near  New  York,  with  his  armament  from  Halifax,  where  he 
was  joined  by  his  brother,  lord  Howe,  on  the  12th  of  July, 
with  another  armament.  By  the  latter  arrival,  the  two  bro 
thers  were  clothed  with  powers  to  treat  with  the  United  States, 
collectively  or  separately.  A  flag  was  despatched  to  Amboy, 
to  announce  his  commission.  This  circular  was  communicated 
to  Congress  by  general  Washington. 

The  American  army  at  New  York,  amounted  to  little  more 
than  seventeen  thousand  men,  a  part  of  which  force  was  en 
camped  at  Brooklyn,  on  Long  Island.  The  combined  forces 
of  the  British  amounted  to  twenty  four  thousand,  which  were 
landed  near  the  Narrows,  nine  miles  from  the  city,  on  the  2d, 
of  August.  On  the  27th,  the  British  forces,  under  Sir  Henry 
Clinton,  Percy,  and  Cornwallis,  attacked  the  American  camp 
at  Long  Island,  which  was  defended  by  brigadier  general  Sul 
livan,  who  was  defeated,  with  the  loss  of  more  than  a  thousand 
men,  while  the  loss  of  the  British  was  less  than  four  hundred. 
Brigadier  generals  lord  Stirling  and  Woodhull  fell  into  the 
hands  of  the  English.  General  Washington  perceived  with 
anguish,  what  would  be  the  result  of  the  battle,  but  he  dare 
not  draw  off  more  troops  from  the  city,  as  he  would  not  even 
by  that  measure,  be  able  to  cope  with  the  British.  On  both 
sides  this  battle  was  expected.  On  the  22d,  the  British  effect 
ed  a  landing,  at  Utrecht,  near  the  Narrows,  under  cover  of  the 
ships,  and  every  preparation  was  made  to  meet  them  manfully. 
Colonel  Hand  was  ordered  to  the  high  ground,  in  order  to 
protect  the  pass  leading  to  Flatbush.  Lord  Cornwallis  wa» 
ordered  to  secure  this  pass,  if  it  could  be  done  without  an  en 
gagement.  He  hailed  at  the  village,  finding  that  the  pass  wa§ 
secured  by  the  Americans.  On  this  occasion,  Washington 
issued  the  following  ordeis: 

"  The  enerny  have  now  landed  upon  Long  island,  the  hour  ig 
fast  approaching  in  which  the  honor  and  success  of  this  army, 
and  the  safety  of  our  bleeding-  country  depend.  Remember, 


that  JOT  are 
of  liberty:  that  riai 
ef  ytw  posterity,  if  yoa  ob  mot 


I-;  :-  i.rj:  ::'  -.-::..    ::.;  3:.-.  -          -:-:  ;-  :i 

i:i  :"-"  :..-  i  r~:  ::'    :=  ^::.",:T:   -.  I  "".--.    " 
to  New  York,  udcr  euro  of  a  dense  fog 

:  :j   :  " 


:- 
On  titt  £i  of  September,  two  regiments  of 

Gorcraot's  biaW,  aear  New  York,  with  their  arac  aW 
of  the  Britfih  fleet,  wah  the 

7-    i-  ::   Ar.-.Ti 
of  a  »gie  battle.     The  re- 

:-  :'~:  -ri  ::  '^ 
i-:    i:-!:-: 
the  armr ,  aa 

.1:1   ,T:  •-:.   !- 

i-  i 


toed  to  While  Plaim,  IB 


of  the  ei€  j,  as  the  A 
at  fen  \V 


184  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

General  Howe,  being1  reinforced  by  a  division  or  two  of  Ger 
mans,  marched  towards  tbe  American  army,  encamped  at 
White  Plains.  On  the  28th  of  October,  a  general  skirmish 
commenced  between  the  advanced  parties.  On  the  29th,  the 
genera]  moved  in  columns  to  the  support  of  his  van,  and  to 
bring  on  a  general  engagement.  General  Washington  kept 
him  at  bay  until  the  31st,  when  he  retired  to  higher  ground, 
and  left  a 'strong  rear  guard  to  cover  White  Plains.  The 
British  now  abandoned  the  enterprise,  and  on  the  8th  of  Novem 
ber,  drew  off  his  army  towards  Kingsbridge.  On  the  15th,  he 
sent  a  summons  to  colonel  Magraw,  commanding  Fort  Wash 
ington,  and  the  next  day  stormed  the  fort,  and  put  the  garrison 
to  the  sword, 

General  Washington  beheld  the  awful  scene,  and  wept  with 
the  feelings  of  a  compassionate  father.  The  shock  was  felt 
with  the  keenest  sensibility,  throughout  the  American  army, 
and  even  general  Lee  wept  with  indignation,  at  the  news  of 
the  merciless  butchery,  and  cursed  the  unrelenting  foe. 

On  the  18th,  lord  Cornwallis  moved  to  the  attack  of  Fort 
Lee  ;  but  general  Greene  drew  off  the  garrison,  abandoned  the 
Fort,  and  joined  general  Washington.  On  the  22d,  general 
Washington  crossed  North  river,  and  retired  to  Newark,  where 
he  found  himself  almost  abandoned  by  the  army ;  and  left  to 
the  mercy  of  a  victorious,  pursuing  enemy,  with  only  about 
three  thousand  five  hundred  men,  to  accompany  him  in  his 
flight.  On  the  28th,  general  Washington  retired  to  Bruns 
wick,  and  lord  Cornwallis  entered  Newark,  with  his  victorious 
army.  His  lords-hip  pursued  to  Brunswick,  and  general  Wash 
ington  retired  to  Princeton,  December  1st.  Lord  Cornwallis 
halted  one  whole  week  at  Brunwick,  agreeable  to  orders;  and 
in  the  mean  time,  general  Washington  saw  himself  abandoned 
by  the  Jersey  and  Maryland  brigades  of  militia,  whose  terms 
of  service  then  expired. 

On  the  7th,  his  lordship  pursued  to  Princeton,  and  general 
Washington  retired  to  Trenton.  The  next  day  his  lordship 
entered  Trenton,  just  at  the  critical  moment  that  general 
Washington,  with  his  remnant  of  an  army,  had  crossed  the 
Delaware,*  and  secured  the  boats  to  prevent  his  passing  f — 
December  8th,  1776. 

General  Howe  had  joined  lord  Cornwallis  at  Newark,  and 
now  made  a  stand  at  Princeton,  and  issued  the  proclamation  of 

*  General  Washington  could  muster  only  two  thousand  two  hun 
dred  men  at  this  time. 

t  The  same  day  general  P/escott,  with  a  strong  British  force,  took 
possession  of  Newport,  (Rhode-Island.) 


THE  UNITED  STATES/  18o 

the  king's   commissioners,   proffering  pardon  and  peace  to  all 
such  as  should  submit  in  sixty  days. 

Sucfi  were  the  distresses  of  the*  army  and  the  country,  when 
they  saw  their  liberties  about  to  expire  under  the  pressure  of 
an  overwhelming  foe,  that  men  of  the  first  distinction,  in  great 
numbers,  in  tbat  part  of  the  country,  embraced  the  overture, 
and  made  their  submission. 

To  add  to  the  distresses  of  this  most  trying  scene,  general 
Lee>  who  had  harrassed  the  rear  of  the  British  army,  with 
about  three  thousand  m  n,  was  now  surprised  in  his  quarters, 
aud  taken  by  the  enemy,  December  13.  The  troops  of  general 
Lee.  now  under  the  com.nand  of  general  Sullivan,  joined  gene 
ral  Washington. 

During  the  delay  of  genera!  Howe  at  Trenton,  general  Wash 
ington,  with  the  assistance  of  genera)  Miffl;n,  collected  a  body 
of  Pennsylvania  miiitia,  and  resolved  to  in  ke  a  stand,  to  re 
cover,  if  possible,  the  spirits  of  the  army  and  nation. 

On  th.2  night  of  the  -25th,  general  Washington,  under  cover 
of  a  violent  snow  storm,  recfossed  the  Delaware,  commenced 
an  attack  upon  the  British  army,  and  g.dnod  a  signal  victory; 
took  about  one  thousand  prisoners,  including  an  entire  regiment 
of  Germans,  with  their  whole  encampment,  and  secured  his  po 
sition  at  Trenton. 

The  enemy  soon  recovered  their  sho°,k  by  large  reinforce 
ments,  and  genera!  Washington  retired  to  Prinscton.  by  a  circui 
tous  march  ;  triumphed  over  the  enemy  again,  and  pursued  them 
to  Brunswick.  Lord  Cornwailis  collected  all  his  forces  at 
Brunswick,  and  made  a  stand.  General  Washington  took  up 
his  position  at  Morristown,  and  wruched  the  motions  of  the 
enemy, 

During  these  operations  in  New  Jersey,  the  British  army  had 
thrown  up  the  rein,  and  given  full  scope  to  the  brutai  passions. 
Tni-  roused  the  indignation  of  the  peop'e,  and  rekindled  the 
fire  of  Lexington,  which  spread  like  lightning  through  the 
country.  New  Jersey  then  exhibited  a  scene  whie'i  was  con 
sidered  but  the  miniature  of  \vlrit  the  nation  would  exhibit, 
should  Britain  prevail.  Ilusbamk  eaw  the  fate  of  their  wives  ; 
parents  of  their  daughters;  and  the  nation  beefKTte  most  serious 
ly  alarmed  ..feiy,  and  more  immediately  alive  to  the 
interest  of  the  common  cause.  New  J>ssey  felt  the  wound 
she  had  received,  and  roused  to  the  combat,  to  avenge  her 
wrongs  upon  the  brutal  foo. 

General  Washington  surprised  lord  Cornwallis  at  Elizabeth- 
town,  and  he  retired  to  Am  boy,  where  he  was  closely  invested 
through  the  winter.     In   June   following,  general  Ho>ve  drew 
off  this  army  to  Statea  island,  and  the  Jerseys  were  cleared. 
16* 


186  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

In  April,  general  Howe  detached  governor  Tryon,  with  the 
command  of  a  major-general  of  provincials,  at  the  head  of  about 
two  thousand  men,  to  destroy  the  American  stores  at  Danburv. 
The  general  executed  this  commission,  and  destroyed  one 
thousand  ei^fht  hundred  barrels  of  beef,  two  thousand  bushels 
of  wheat,  eight  hundred  barrels  of  flour,  one  thousand  seven 
hundred  tents,  one  hundred  hogsheads  of  rum,  &c.  with  the 
loss  of  about  four  hundred  men,  killed,  wounded,  and  taken  by 
the  Americans. 

But  this  expedition  cost  the  British  a  severe  loss.  Three 
generals  were  in  the  neighbourhood,  Wooster,  Arnold,  and 
Sullivan.  About  six  hundred  militia  were  collected  in  great 
haste,  and  followed  in  pursuit  about  two  miles,  during  a  heavy 
rain.  The  next  morning  tiie  troops  were  divided.  Wooster 
fell  in  the  rear  of  the  enemy,  while  Arnold  was  posted  at 
Ridgefield,in  their  front.  Wooster  attacked  the  enemy,  and 
was  mortall}'  wounded  in  the  contest;  the  troops  had  to  re 
treat.  Arnold  gave  them  a  severe  reception  at  Ridgefield,  and 
was  repulsed,  but  renewed  the  attack  during  the  next  day. 
The  yeomanry  of  the  country  through  which  they  passed 
towards  the  Sound  constantly  annoyed  them,  and  they  made  a 
precipitate  retreat  to  their  ships,  which  conveyed  them  to 
New  York.  They  lost  in  killed,  wounded,  and  missing,  about 
one  hundred  and  seventy  ;  while  the  loss  of  the  Americans  did 
not  exceed  one  hundred.  General  Wooster  lingered  until  the 
2d  of  May,  and  expired  in  his  seventieth  year.  A  monument 
was  voted"  to  his  memory  by  congress,  and  a  horse,  splendidly 
caparisoned  was  presented  to  Arnold,  as  a  token  of  respect  for 
hig  intrepidity  and  good  conduct. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Eeacuation  of  Canada — Capture  of  Burgoyne,  and  fall  of 
Philadelphia. 

We  must  now  return  to  the  affairs  in  the  north.  General 
Montgomery  fell  at  Quebec,  and  the  command  devolved  on 
colonel  Arnold,  who  had  been  badly  wounded.  But  he  was 
removed  to  Montreal,  and  was  preceded  by  general  Thomas. 
He  soon  died,  and  general  Sullivan  was  appointed  in  his  place. 
The  small  pox,  with  other  diseases,  reduced  the  number  of 
men  to  four  hundred.  The  siege  was  raised,  and  this  hand 
ful  of  men  was  compelled  to  retreat  for  Montreal. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  187 

A  reinforcement  had  arrived  from  England,  and  the  army  in 
Canada  was  now  thirteen  thousand  strong.  With  this  force 
governor  C.'arleton,  with  generals  Burgoyne,  Frazer,  Phillips, 
and  Reidesel,  advanced  in  different  divisions,  in  pursuit  of  Sul 
livan.  General  Frazer  took  post  at  Troies  Riviers,  when  the 
Americans  attempted  a  surprise,  but  it  miscarried,  and  general 
Thompson  was  left  in  the  hands  of  the  English.  Carleton  pur 
sued  with  his  whole  force,  but  the  retreat  of  Sullivan  was  se 
cured,  and  he  reached  the  river  Sorel  in  safety,  where  he  was 
met  by  Arnold,  from  Montreal.  The  troop.s,  baggage,  and 
cannon  were  embarked,  and  they  made  a  stand  at  Crown  Point, 
on  the  15th  of  June,  1776. 

In  the  fore  part  of  July,  general  Sullivan  left  the  command 
of  the  northern  army,  and  was  succeeded  by  general  Gates. 
The  army  was  diminished  more  than  5000,  and  the  ravages  of 
the  small  pox  were  dreadfully  alarming.  About  three  hun 
dred  sick  were  removed  to  fort  George.  The  exertions  of 
governor  Carleton  to  prepare  his  fleet  to  meet  the  Americans 
on  the  lake,  were  great  and  unceasing.  Early  in  October, 
troops  were  embarked,  and  operations  commenced.  A  sharp 
action  ensued  near  Valicour  island,  and  much  valour  was  dis 
played  on  both  sides.  But  the  Americans  were  overpowered, 
dispersed,  taken,  or  destroyed,  which  enabled  the  enemy  to 
approach  Ticonderoga,  on  the  1 1th  of  October.  But  this  vic 
tory  was  not  followed  up  with  spirit.  Hostile  operations  were 
suspended  for  the  season,  and  the  governor  retired  into  Cana 
da.  To  the  honour  of  the  governor  we  would  here  record  his 
humanity  to  prisoners,  who  were  often  dismissed  with  kind 
ness,  and  furnished  with  necessaries  to  reach  their  friends  in 
the  United  States.  These  traits  in  his  character  are  worthy  of 
perpetual  remembrance  and  gratitude. 

General  Gates  discharged  the  militia,  and  the  campaign  wai 
closed. 

General  Burgoyne  succeeded  to  the  command  after  Carle- 
ton,  in  the  spring  of  1777.  Operations  were  commenced  early 
at  the  head  often  thousand  m«n,  English  and  German,  com 
manded  by  ger>erals  Phillips,  Frazer,  Powel,  Hamilton, and  by 
the  German  generals,  Reidesel  and  Spicht.  The  army  wag 
well  appointed,  and  well  supplied  wi'.h  every  facility  to  ensure 
a  successful  compaign.  Th-;  troops  were  in  fine  health  and 
high  spirits.  To  this  powerful  armament  were  attached  seve 
rs!  tribes  of  Indians,  who  were  to  take  the  field  on  condition* 
of  humanity  ;  they  were  not  to  scalp  the  wounded,  nor  their 
prisoners  ;  but  a  bounty  was  to  be  given  for  every  prisoner 
UKen  and  brought  in  alive.  In  June  the  army  arrived  at 
Crown  Point,  and  on  the  19lh,  operations  were  commenced 
against  Ticonderoga. 


138  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

General  Gates  was  succeeded  in  his  command  by  general 
Scluiyler,  who  placed  this  fortress  in  good  order  for  defence, 
and  gave  the  command  to  general  St.  Clair.  The  forl  was  ap 
proached  on  the  right  wing  of  the  American  army  on  the  2d  of 
July,  and  possession  taktm  of  Mount  Defiance.  This  lies  con 
tiguous  to  Ticonderoga,  and  overlooks  the  fortress.  This 
mount  had  hitherto  been  deemed  inaccessible,  and  had  remained 
unoccupied.  Cannon  were  hoisted  by  tackles,  until  the  force 
was  sufficient  to  dislodge  the  garrison.  To  save  the  men,  the 
fort  was  now  abandoned,  and  the  Arnercan  force  retired  to  Hub- 
bardston,  and  thence  to  Castleton,  where  a  stand  was  made, 
about  thirty  miles  from  Ticonderoga. 

General  Frazer,  supported  by  general  Reidesel,  commenced 
a  pursuit  in  the  morning,  with  the  light  troop*  of  the  Britisu 
and  Germans,  and  overtook  (he  American  rear  guard  under 
colonel  Warner,  at  Castleton,  and  commenced  an  attack  on  the 
7th,  which  became  sharp  and  bloody.  The  British  were  rout 
ed  at  first,  with  loss  ;  but  finding  that  colonel  Warner  was 
not,  supported  by  general  St.  Clair,  thvy  rallied  to  the  combat, 
and  with  the  bayonet,  charged  and  dispersed  the  American 
rear  with  the  loss  of  about  three  hundred  men  ;  and  colonel 
Warner  reiired  with  the  remainder  of  his  troops  to  fort 
Ann. 

General  Burgoyne,  with  the  main  body  of  the  "British  army,, 
sailed  from  Ticonderoga,  in  pursuit  or'  the  American  fleet  ; 
destroyed  arid  dispersed  the  whole,  and  landed  at  Skeensbor- 
ough,  now  Whitehall.  He  there  detached  lieutenant  colonel 
Hill,  with  a  strong  party  to  dislodge  the  Americans  from  fort 
Ann.  The  garrison  marched  out  on  the  morning  of  the  6th, 
and  commenced  an  attack  upon  tbe  detachment,  which  was 
sharply  supported  by  both  parties,  for  about  two  hours,  with 
apparent  success  oo  the  part  of  the  Americans  ;  but  a  paity  of 
Indians  appeared  and  joined  colonel  Hiil,  and  the  Americans 
withdrew  from  the  field  ;  abandoned  the  fortress,  and  retired 
to  fort  Edward,  July  12th.  The  whole  force  at  this  time,  at, 
fort  Edward,  did  not  exceed  5000  men. 

The  operations  of  both  armies,  were  now  commenced  with 
vigour.  In  his  retreat,  the  American  g-eneral  destroyed  bridg 
es,  and  obstructed  the  roads,  to  impede  the  pursuit  of  Bur- 
oo>ne  ;  but  all  these  difficulties  were  surmounted,  and  on  tiie 
30th,  the  British  force  reached  fort  Edward,  which  h;id  been 
abandoned  by  Schuyler  on  the  27th.  He  retired  to  Saratoga, 
and  on  the  first  of  August,  removed  to  Stiliwater,  only  twenty 
five  miles  north  of  Albany.  The  nation  saw  with  deep  regret, 
that  this  remnant  of  an  army  was  compelled  to  flee  hefore  a 
victorious  enenav.  and  that  those  impoitarat  .fortresses  were 


THE    U-MTED  STATES.  189 

abandoned.  These  event?  greatly  depressed  the  spirits  of  our 
counirymen,  while  the  foe  exulted  in  (he triumph. 

On  the  3d  of  August,  colonel  Si.  Ledger  waa  detached  by 
general  Bur^ovne  against  foil  Sranwix,  as  a  diversion.  To  re 
lieve  the  furl,  the  genera!  was  ordered  down  with  eight  hundred 
miliiia.  Near  the  fort  he  tVii  into  an  Indian  arifbush,  and  was 
killed  in  a  most  severe  af-.t'on.  The  garrison  saiiied  out,  deci 
ded  the  targumaiy  congest,  drove  the  Indian?,  and  relieved  the 
fortress.  The  co'one!  sent  a  summons  to  the  fort  to  surrender, 
!  jiiel  Gansevoort  returned  a  prompt  and  spirited  reply, 
and  St.  Ledger  withdrew7  precipitately,  and  returned  to  the 
lake. 

During  these  movements,  general  Washington  detached 
general  Lincoln  to  the  northward,  to  take  command  of  such 
eastern  rmhtia  as  rnijht  join  the  northern  army.  General  Lin 
coln  arrived  at  Manchester,  on  the  2d  of  August,  where  he 
took  the  command  of  six  hundred  militia,  and  on  the  6;h,  he 
wa>  joined  by  general  Stark,  with  eight  hundred  more. 

General  Stark  was  a  soldier  of  merit,  and  had  deserved  well 
of  his  country,  by  his  distinguished  services  in  the  famous  bat 
tle  of  Bunker's  hill  ;  but  he  had  felt  himself  wounded  by  the 
neglect  of  congress,  after  the  battle,  and  retired  from  service. 
He  engaged  at  this  time,  in  the  service  of  his  country,  upon 
the  express  condition,  that  he  should  not  be  constrained  to 
serve  under  a  continental  officer  ;  he  accordingly  re^sted  the 
pitting  solicitations  of  General  Schuyler,  to  join  him  in  check 
ing  the  progress  of  general  Burgoyne. 

Congress  interposed  in  this  controversy  ;  and  at  this  event 
ful  moment, general  Burgoyne  detached  colonel  Baum,  with 
five  hundred  Germans,  and  one  hundred  Indians,  to  seize  n 
the  American  stores  at  Bennington,  to  enable  him  to  pursue 
his  n.arch  to  Albany.  General  Stark  was  apprised  of  this 
movement,  and  sent  expresses  to  collect  the  neighbouring  mi 
litia,  aiid  marched  to  meet  the  enemy  on  the  14th,  supported 
by  colonels  Warner,  William--  and  Brush.  The  advance  par 
ties  of  the  two  arrries,  met,  and  commenced  a  skirmishing,  that 
continued  through  the  day.  On  the  15th,  all  operations  wv  re 
suspended  by  the  excessive  rains  that  fell  ;  but  on  the  16th, 
general  Stark  was  joined  by  the  Berkshire  militia,  under  colo 
nel  Symonds,  and  he  detaciied  Niche's  to  take  post  in  the  rear 
of  the  enemy,  on  the  left ;  col'>uel  Hendrick  to  take  post  in 
the  rpar  of  his  right;  to  be  supported  by  colonels  Hubbard  and 
Shokley,  still  further  on  the  right.  About  3  o'clock  ;n  the  af- 
ternonn,  general  Stark  commenced  an  attack  upon  the  enemy, 
strongly  entrenched,  and  supported  by  two  field  piece?.  The 
attack  became  general,  an.i  <.»  a.^  valiantly  supported  o  '-nth 
sides  ;  the  Indians  fled  ;  the  Germans  "were  overpowered  ; 


1 90  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

forced  from  their  erttrer.chments,  and  put  to  flight.  The  mili 
tia,  flushed  with  the  successes  ofihe  day,  abandoned  the  pur 
suit,  and  gave  themselves  up  to  plunder.  At  this  eventful  mo 
ment,  lieutenant-colonel  Breyman  joined  colonel  Baum  with  a 
reinforcement  ;  they  rallied  to  the  charge,  and  renewed  the 
Combat.  Colonel  Warner  led  on  his  regiment  of  continentals, 
at  this  critical  moment,  and  supported  (he  action  until  the  mili 
tia  could  recover  their  order,  and  advance  to  the  charge.  The 
action  soon  became  general,  and  continued  through  the  day. 
The  Germans  again  gave  way,  and  secured  their  retreat  under 
cover  of  the  night,  leaving  their  artillery,  baggage,  &c.  with 
two  hundred  slain,  and  seven  hundred  prisoners,  among  whom 
was  colonel  Baum.  This  was  an  important  action,  and  proved 
ruinous  to  general  Burgoyne 

This  action  was  highly  applauded,  and  a  brigadier's  com 
mission  was  made  out  for  colonel  Stark,  in  the  continental  ser 
vice.  This  success  gavefiesh  courage  to  the  Americans,  and 
the  public  pulse  beat  high  with  expectation.  General  Gates 
now  took  command  of  the  army,  and  the  militia  joined  the  ar 
my  with  alacrity.  On  the  rear  of  the  British  army  was  an 
American  force  under  general  Lincoln,  and  on  the  18th  gene 
ral  Brown  destroyed  the  British  stores  at  lake  George,  releas 
ing  a  number  of 'American  prisoners.  Successful  operations 
were  also  commenced  against  Ticonderoga,  and  Skeensboroughi 
now  Whitehall.  General  Burgoyne  had  crossed  the  Hudson, 
and  finally  took  post  at  Still  water,  but  three  miles  from  gene 
ral  Gates. 

On  the  18th  of  September,  general  Gates  detached  about 
3000  men  to  offer  the  enemy  battle  ;  but  he  declined  the  com 
bat.  On  the  19th,  the  scouting  parties  of  the  two  armies  com 
menced  a  skirmishing,  that  led  to  a  general  action,  which  con 
tinued  through  the  day,  and  was  supported  with  great  zeal  and 
intrepid  bravery.  Night  closed  the  scene,  and  the  two  gene 
rals  drew  off  their  armies,  to  protect  their  camps,  and  waited 
with  impatience,  the  returning  day. 

In  this  action  the  Ameiican  loss  was  about  three  hundred, 
and  that  of  the  English,  about  five  hundred. 

The  American  strength  was  now  about  seven  thousand,  not 
including  about,  two  thousand  under  general  Lincoln,  who 
were  then  at  Benuington.  The  Indian  allies  of  Great  Britain 
were  deserting  the  standard  of  general  Burgoyne,  since  the 
late  contest,  and  four  of  the  six  nations  favoured  the  cause  of 
America,  and  furnished  one  hundred  and  fifty  warriors.  The 
troops  under  general  Lincoln  now  added  to  the  force  under 
general  Gates,  and  revived  the  spirits  of  the  army. 

Until  the  7th  of  October,  the  armies  were  within  common 
shot,  and  skirmishes  were  frequent  and  severe.  The  armies 


THE  UNITED   STATES.  191 

were  harrassed  and  alarmed.  Th°  situation  of  Burgoyne  was 
becoming  critical,  and  be  applied  to  sir  Henry  Clinton  for  re 
lief.  The  latter  had  just  received  two  thousand  men  from 
Europe, and  commenced  operations  by  the  capture  of  West  Point, 
a  strong  fortress  on  the  Hudson.  He  was  then  enabled  to 
clear  the  obstructions  on  the  river,  and  leave  a  free  passage  for 
his  shipping-.  Of  all  this  general  Burgoyne  had  intelligence, 
but  too  late  to  render  him  any  service. 

As  general  Burgoyne  determined  on  a  retreat,  he  sent  for 
ward  a  strong  party  on  one  side,  while  he  headed  another,  sup 
ported  by  general  Frazer,  and  a  contest  was  commenced  imme 
diately,  and  lasted  through  the  day.  Victory  perched  on  the 
American  standard,  and  they  were  successful  at  all  points. 
General  Arnold  fought  desperately,  and  received  a  wound  in 
the  action.  General  Frazer*  and  sir  James  Clark  were  mortally 
wounded,  and  the  latter  became  a  prisoner.  General  Bur 
goyne  changed  his  position  in  the  night,  and  the  Americana 
spoiled  the  British  camp. 

The  British  now  expected  a  momentary  attack,  and  were  un 
der  arms  all  the  day  on  the  8th,  and  at  sunset,  the  last  honours 
were  paid  to  the  remains  of  the  much  lamented  Frazer.  On 
the  9th  the  English  army  was  so  closely  invested,  that  the 
commander  resolved  on  a  retreat  to  Saratoga.  This  was  ef 
fected  with  no  other  loss,  than  that  of  his  hospital  of  sick  and 
wounded,  which  he  was  compelled  to  abandon  to  the  merey  of 
general  Gates,  who  did  honour  to  bis  character,  in  the  display 
of  his  benevolent  feelings,  in  behalf  of  the  sufferers. 

General  Burgoyne  now  perceived  that  all  the  passes  in  his 
rear  were  strongly  guarded,  and  that  further  retreat  was  next 
to  impossible.  In  this  difficulty,  he  called  a  council,  on  the 
13th.  While  the  council  was  deliberating,  an  eighteen  pound 
shot  crossed  the  table,  and  they  resolved  unanimously,  to  pro 
pose  terms  with  general  Gates.  The  proposals  of  general 
Gates  were  rejected,  and  general  Burgoyne  then  sent  in  terms 
on  which  the  capitulation  was  finally  made. 

The  news  of  the  capture  in  the  Highlands  is  said  to  have  ar 
rived  at  this  juncture,  which  led  general  Burgoyne  to  hesitate, 
in  expectation  of  relief  from  sir  Henry  Clinton.  General 

*  ID  the  heat  of  the  action,  colonel  Morgan,  (the  future  hero  of  the 
battle  of  Cowpens,)  selected  several  of  his  sharp  shooters  ,  and  point 
ing  them  to  a  British  officer,  who  appeared  most  conspicuously  ac 
tive  in  his  duty,  at  the  head  of  his  division,  mounted  upon  an  iron 
grey  charger,  thus  addressed  them:  "  that  gallant  officer  is  gen 
eral  Frazer  ;  I  admire  and  respect  him  ;  but  it  is  necessary  that 
he  should  die;  take  your  station  in  that  wood,  and  do  your  duty." 
It  is  unnecessary  to  add,  that  general  Frazer  soon  fell,  mortally 


UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

Gates,  seizing  the  critical  moment,  drew  up  his  army  in  battle 
array,  and  s«  nt  in  a  flag  demanding  a  reply  in  ten  minutes. 
The  responsibility  was  great,,  and  Burgoyne  felt  it.  The 
treaty  was  signed  and  returned  in  due  time. 

The  whole  British  army  marched  out  of  their  linos,  deposited 
their  arms,  and  became  prisoners  of  war.  General  Gates 
marched  in,  under  the.  rune  of  Yankee  Doodle,  and  took  quiet 
possession.  General  Gates  oidered  supplies  to  be  issued  to 
the  BriM^h  arm},  who  were  destitute,  and  the  t-o'ernn  scene 
was  closed. 

Such  and  so  various  are  the  scenes  of  life,  and  the  fates  of 
men  ;  such  and  so  fickle  is  the  fortune  of  war  ;  but  firm  and 
unshaken  is  the  providence  of  God  ;  wisdcm,  and  might,  and 
strength  are  His. 

Sir  Henry  Clinton  detached  sir  James  Wallace  and  general 
Vaughn,  with  a  flying  squadron,  carrying  3600  troops,  to  pene 
trate,  if  possible,  to  the  camp  of  Burgoyne,  or  make  a  diversion 
in  his  favor  ;  but  learning  the  situation  of  general  Burgoyne, 
at  Esopus,  on  the  13th,  they  set  h're  to  the  village,  and  con 
sumed  it.  Had  they  proceeded  to  Albany,  they  might  have 
destroyed  the  place,  with  the  American  stores,  and  Burgoyne 
might  have  been  relieved.  The  inquiry  has  often  been  made, 
why  this  unnecessary  delay  ?  But  no  other  answer  can  pessi- 
bly  be.  given,  than  this  ;  it  was  the  special  providence  of  God. 

The  army  of  general  Burgoyne  was  marched  directly  to  Bos 
ton,  where  the)  were  detained  as  prisoners  of  war. 

Having  thus  restored  tranquillity  in  the  norUi,  the  army  un 
der  general  Gates  marched  to  support  general  Putnam,  at 
Kingston,  aod  guard  the  country  from  the  incursions  of  the 
British.  The  alarm  was  taken,  and  the  enemy  hastened  back 
to  New  York. 

We  will  now  take  a  look  at  the  transactions  of  the  conquer 
ing  army  «f  New  York.  Aboiu  the  time  that  victory  perched 
on  the  British  standard  on  lake  Champlain,  under  the  din.ctian 
of  Burgojne,  general  Howe  embarked  with  about  sixteen  thou 
sand  troops,  with  two  hundred  and  sixty  sail,  and  on  the  23d 
of  July,  went  to  sta  on  a  private  expedition,  to  .make  a  diver 
sion  at  the  south.  General  Washington  then  made  a  move- 
nieht  towards  Delaware,  that  he  might  cover  Philadelphia. 
Gi-reral  Howe  manoeuvred  on  the  coast  some  days,  and  finally 
entered  the  Chesapeake.  Washington  advanced  to  meet  him. 
The  British  troops  wen  landed  ai  Elk  River  ferry,  and  the  two 
armies  met  at  Chad's  Ford,  on  the  Brandywine,  where  an  action 
was  fought,  on  the  llth  of  September.  Victory  declared  for 
the  Erjghsh.  and  Washington  retired  to  the  high  grounds,  to 
watch  tiie  enemy.  Philadelphia  was  entered  on  the  26th,  when 
congress  retired  10  Lancaster. 


THE  UNITED  STATES. 

About  this  time,  the  Marquis  La  Fayette  arrived  in  the 
United  States,  and  tendered  rns  services  to  congress,  and  he 
received  a  commission  as  brigadier  general  in  the  service-.  He 
joined  the  army,  and  served  at  his  own  expense,  and  soon  be 
came  the  companion  and  the  friend  of  Washington.  His  tal 
ents  as  a  soldier  were  first  displaced  at  Chad's  Ford,  vvherb  he 
received  a  wound  in  the  leg,  the  effects  of  which  he  still  car 
ries.  The  count  Pulaski,  a  Polish  gentleman,  also  distinguish 
ed  liimselfin  the  battle, and  was  honoured  with  the  comn 
oT  major  general. 

The  fleet  of  lord  Howe  was  now  ordered  in'o  the  De'si- 
ware,  that  his  communication  with  the  ocean  might  remaio  se 
cure. 

While  the  fleet  was  thus  employed,  Washington  attempted 
to  cut  off  the  main  body  of  the  British  army,  encamped  at 
Gorm  into wn,  seven  miles  from  the  city.  The  attack  was  well 
concerted,  and  executed  promptly. 

The  British  were  completely  surprised,  at  break  of  day,  Oc 
tober  4tb  ;  at  sunrise  the  action  became  warm,  and  tiie  Amer 
icans  were  successes!  at  ail  points,  until  they  attempted  to  dis 
lodge  a  battalion  of  the  British,  who  in  their  flight  had  thrown 
themselves  into  a  stone  house  ;  this  occasioned  a  delay,  broke 
the  pursuit,  and  gave  the  enemv  timi-  to  recover  frum  their 
surprise,  and  rally  to  the  charge;  the  action  soon  became  warm 
and  bloody.  A  thick  fog  arose,  whicti  covered  the  courjal- 
ants,  and  caused  some  confusion  ;  the  enemy  took  ..d vantage 
of  this,  the  Americans  retired,  and  abandoned  the  victory  they 
had  =o  fairly  gained. 

The  losses  of  the  parlies  were  about  equal  ;  but  it  Droved  a 
lesson  of  caution  to  general  Howe.  He  collected  his  army  at 
Philadelphia,  where  h-j  was  closely  invented  bv'gt-neral  Wash- 
ihcrton,  through  the  winter  ;  which  occasioned  the  remark  of 
Doctor  Franklin  ;  "  Philnrh'phia  h/i*  taken  Howe." 

The  privations  of  the  American  arm*  were  truly  d-st rising; 
without  clothes,  shoes,  stockings,  &  ^ven  breeches  &  <«i-inkets  ; 
more  than  two  thousand  wer*-  marched  through  tne  hrrnv.  im 
printing  the  roads  with  their  blood  stained  steps;  yet  all  this 
wa?  endured  with  a  firmness  worthy  of  those  valiant  - 
liberty. 

Dr.  Benjam'n  Franklin  had  new  been  more  than  a  year  is 
Fiance,  urging  the  jrovernmeni  oftha    country  to  ac 
our  independence,  and  to  enter  in.o  a  treaty  of  alliance.      Tr,e-o 
objects  were  effected,  after  the  fall  of  Burguyne  had  manifes 
ted  the  probability  that  the  Ameucan*  could  na'iii'  «*.-)  I 
dependent  stand  single  handed.     A  treaty  was   si£jnf .' 
6th  of  February,  by  which  it  was  a.;  'i« 

Contracting  powers  was  to  make  war  or  peace  without  Uie  for- 
17 


J94  UNIVERSAL  HISTOKY  OP 

mal  consent  of  the  other."  The  treaty  was  soon  known  in 
London,  and  the  British  government  determined  to  evacuate 
Philadelphia,  and  concentrate  the  royal  forces  in  New  York. 
On  the  18th  of  June,  ihe  royal  army  crossed  the  Delaware  on 
the  road  to  Mew  York.  But  Washington  had  foreseen  this, 
and  prepared  the  militia  of  New  Jersey  to  give  the  B'ritish  a 
troublesome  march. 

He  crossed  the  Delaware  in  pursuit,  and  the  hostile  armies 
met  at  Monrnouth,  on  the  28th,  sixty  four  miles  from  Philadel 
phia.  The  contest  was  si  vere,  and  the  weather  so  hot,  that 
numbers  of  both  armies  perished  from  that  cause,  and  the  use 
ofwaler  when  it  could  be  obtained.  The  American  army  re 
mained  on  the  battleground,  intending  to  renew  the  contest  in 
the  morning1,  but  the  enemy  made  good  a  retreat.  The  less  of 
the  Amencans,  was  eight  officers  and  sixty  one  privates  killed, 
and  one  hundred  and  sixty  vroundcd.  The  British  loss  in  killed, 
wounded,  and  missing-,  was  three  hundred  and  fifty  eight  men, 
including  officers.  One  hundred  prisoners  were  taken,  and 
the  loss  by  desertion  was  one  thousand.  Sir  Henry  retired 
by  forced  marches  to  Sand v  Hook,  where  he  was  taken  on  board 
the  fleet,  and  embarked  the  army  for  New  York. 

General  L<>e  has  been  censured  by  a  court  martial  for  diso 
bedience  of  orders  on  this  occasion.  It  appears  that  he  first 
declined  a  particular  command,  and  then  asked  for  if.  Wash 
ington  directed  him  to  commence  the  attack,  "unless  them 
should  be  powerful  reasons  to  the  contrary,"  and  his  disobedi 
ence,  "  and  doubtful  movements"  appear  to  have  marred  the 
expected  success,  and  justified  *he  event  in  depriving  him  of  his 
command. 

The  French  government,  by  the  terms  of  the  treaty,  had 
now  entered  into  the  war 

On  the  Htb  of  July,  couat  D'  Estaing  entered  the  capes  of 
the  Delaware,  with  the  Ton  Ion  fleet,  after  a  passage  of  eighty 
seven  dajs  ;  lord  Howe  had  been  gone  only  eleven  days,  and 
sir  Henry  Clinton  had  evacuated  Philadelphia  only  one  month 
before,  and  was  now  embarking  his  army  at  Sandy  Hook,  for 
New  York.  The  French  fleet  was  about  double  the  fo'ce  of 
the  English,  both  in  the  number  of  ships  and  weight  of  metal. 

Count  D'  Estaing-  landed  Mr.  Gerard,  French  minister  to 
the  United  States,  who  was  most  cordially  received  by  congress, 
and  on  the  9th  set  sail  for  Sandy  Hoi  k,  where  he  arrived  on 
the  llth,  and  blockaded  the  English  squodran  in  the  harbour. 
The  count  made  -al!  possible  efforts  to  attack  the  English  fleet 
in  the  harbor  ;  but  found  it  impracticable  to  cross  the  bar  with 
his  heavy  ships,  and  on  the  22d,  agreeable  to  advice  from  gen 
eral  Washington,  he  set  sail  for  Newport,  to  co-operate  in  the 
destruction  of  the  British  fleet  and  army,  at  Rhode  Island. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  19.6 

Admiral  Bvron's  squadron  arrived  at  Sandy  Hook,  a  few 
days  after  the  departure  of  the  French  fleet,  in  a  very  broken, 
sickly,  dismasted,  distressed  situation.  The  provision  ships 
fro.  11  Cork,  arrived  also,  and  entered  the  harbor  of  New  York, 
in  safety,  to  the  inexpressible  joy  of  the  British  army,  who  were 
in  great  want  of  supplies. 

Count  D'  E^taing  arrived  off  Point  Judith,  on  the  29th  of 
July,  and  such  was  the  joy  upon  the  occasion,  that  it  diffused 
the  fire  and  zeal  of  1775  and  6,  throughout  New  England. 
Volun  eers  by  thousands,  flocked  to  the  standard  of  their  coun 
try,  to  join  general  Sullivan,  and  co-operate  with  llieir  illus 
trious  allies,  in  the  reduction  of  Rhode  Island. 

General  Washington  had  detached  the  Marquis  LT  Fayetle 
and  general  Greene,  with  two  thousand  men,  to  join  the  general 
enterprise.  Tne  American  force  was  now  about  ten  thousand 
strong. 

Si'  Robert  Pigot,  who  commanded  at  Newport,  had  been  re 
inforced  with  five  battalions,  which  rendered  his  force  about 
aix  thousand  strong1.  Thus  balanced,* the  panics  commenced 
their  operations. 

The  count  D'  Estaing  entered  the  harbor  of  Newport,  on  the 
18th  of  August,  without  opposition  ;  general  Pigot  having  de 
stroyed  the  English  shipping,  on  the  5lh,  to  prevent  their  fal 
ling  into  the  hands  of  the  French. 

Oa  the  9th,  at  eight  in  the  morning,  general  Sullivan  began 
to  cross  over  with  his  army,  from  Tiverton  ;  the  enemy  having- 
abandoned  their  works  at'fhe  north  end  of  tlie  inland.  At  two 
ia  the  morning,  lord  Howe  appeared  off  Point  Judith,  with  a 
fle<it  of  twenty  five  sail  of  the  line,  where  he  anchored  for  the 
night. 

On  the  10th,  count  D'  Estaing,  eager  to  meet  the  British 
fleet,  took  advantage  of  the  wind  and  put  to  sea.  The  tsvo 
fleets  manoeuvred  through  the  day,  without  coming  to  action. 
On  the  1 1 ih,  a  violent  gale  sprang  up,  and  continued  through 
the  12th  and  13th,  which  parted  the  fleets,  dismasted  the 
French  admiral's  ship,  destroyed  liar  rudder,  and  greatly  dam- 
ag-ed  several  others, 

On  the  14'h,  the  gala  abated,  and  close  and  severe  actions 
commenced  between  several  single  ships  of  the  two  fleets,  but 
noihing  decisive.  The  count,  having  collected  six  of  his  ships, 
Covered  his  disabled  fl^et,  and  stood  in  for  Newport,  and  came 
to  anchor. 

General  Greene  and  the  Marquis  La  Fax-ette,  went  on  board 
the  admiral's  ship,  and  pressed  him  to  enter  the  harbour  of 
Newport,  and  complete  the  enterprise  ;  but  the  flr-et  was  so 
•shattered  by  the  storm,  and  the  officers  were  generally  se 
rso,  that  the  count  concluded  to  sail  fur  Boston. 


19U  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

The  troops  under  general  Sullivan  had  gained  the  north  end  of 
the  island,  and  marched  down  upon  the  enemy's  lines,  ready 
to  co-operate  with  the  French  fleet,  and  commence  the  attack: 
but  their  sufferings  in  the  storm  were  so  severe,  that  the  troops 
were  in  a  deplorable  state. 

On  the  15th,  the  American  army  had  recovered  from  their 
misfortunes  and  were  again  prepared  for  action.  In  this  situ 
ation,  they  continued  anxiously  waiting  the  movements  of  the 
Frencii  fleet,  to  join  in  the  general  attack  ;  but  to  their  grief 
and  astonishment,  they  saw  them  weigh  and  stand  off  for  Bos 
ton,  on  the  24th.  The  mortification  of  general  Sullivan,  was 
greater  than  the  pride  of  an  American  soldier  could  sustain, 
and  he  expressed  himself  unguardedly,  in  his  general  orders 
upon  the  occasion. 

On  the  2811^  count  D'  Eslaing  wrote  to  congress  from  Bos 
ton,  and  explained  his  movements  to  the  satisfaction  of  that 
honorable  body. 

General  Sullivan  soon  saw  himself  abandoned  by  most  of 
the  volunteers,  which  reduced  his  army  to  a  standard  below 
that  of  the?  enemy,  and  he  hastened  to  secure  his  retreat. 

On  the  25th,  general  Sullivan  sent  off  his  heavy  cannon,  and 
on  the  29th,  he  retired  to  the  north  end  of  the  island.  General 
Pigot  pursued  w-ith  his  whole  force,  to  intercept  his  retreat. 
The  advance  guard  of  the  enemy  wa^  soon  engaged  with  the 
rear  guard  of  the  Americans,  and  a  severe  action  ensued,  that 
continued  through  the  day.  The  next  dav,  general  Sullivan 
learnt  that  lord  Howe  was  again  at  sea,  and  that  the  French 
fleer  was  not  expected  to  return  to  Newport,  and  he  hastened 
to  evaeuare  the  island. 

General  Suihvan,  with  the  advice  and  assistance  of  general 
Greene  and  the  Marquis  La  Fayette,  conducted  his  retreat  in 
the  presence  of  a  superior  foe,  whose  sentries,  were  not  more 
th^n  400  yards  distant  from  the  American  sentries  :  and  on 
the  morning  of  the  1st  of  September,  1778,  the  retreat  was  ac 
complished  without  the  loss  of  a  man,  or  any  part  of  the  artil 
lery  or  baggage. 

The  s*rm-  (Jay,  sir  Henry  Clinton  arrived  off  Newport,  on 
board  of  (he  fleet  under  lord  Howe,  with  four  thousand  troops, 
to  cutoff  the  A-nerican  retreat  ;  but  learning  the  departure  of 
the  French  for  Boston,  and  the  retreat  of  the  Americans,  he 
set  sail  for  Boston,  in  pursuit  of  the  French.  On  the  morning 
of  the  3d,  he  discovered  th -i  French  fleet  in  the  harbor  of  Bos 
ton,  s'rongly  posted,  "and  returned  to  New  York.  On  the  5th, 
lord  HDWO  commenced  an  attack  upon  the  American  shipping 
in  Bedford  harbor,  and  destroyed  about  seventy  sail,  besides 
small  craft,  store*  .  dwelling  houses,  and  vessels  o<;  !ie  stocks,, 
together  with  the  magazine,  to  the  amount  of20,000/  sterling. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  19? 

His  lordship  next  commenced  an  attack  noon  Martha's  Vine 
yard  ;  destroyed  all  the  vessels,  and  carried  off  the  arms  of  the 
militia,  the  public  money,  300  oxen,  and  10.000  sheep,  and  re 
turned  to  New  York. 

The  following  extract  of  a  letter  from  general  Washington, 
shall  close  the  chapter  : 

u  It  is  not  a  little  pleasing,  nor  less  wonderful,  to  contem 
plate,  that  after  two  years  rnanceuvreing,  and  undergoing  the 
stra.-igest  vicissitudes,  tint  p^riiap*  ever  attended  any  one  con 
test  since  the  cieation,  both  armies  are  b~<>u<*ht  back  to  the 
very  point  they  set  out  from,  and  the  offending  party,  in  the 
beginning,  is  reduced  to  the  spade  and  pick-axe  f.>r  detence. 
Tae  hand  of  providence  has  been  so  conspicuous  in  all  this, 
thU  he  m-ist  be  vvorse  than  an  infidel  that  lacks  faith,  and  more 
than  wicked,  that  has  not  gratitude  enough  to  acknowledge 
his  obligations." 


CHAPTER  X. 

Operations  of  the  Revolutionary  War — Continued. 

The  British,  fin  ling  the  instability  of  their  dependence  on 
the  success  of  their  arm--,*  determined  to  accomplish  their  ob 
ject  by  the  arts  of  diplomacy*  A;i  attempt  wa-s  made  to  bribe 
a  M  •.  Reed,  a  ad  other  members  of  Congress,  to  assist  in  rec 
onciling  the  Americans  to  the  English  government.  Tne  in 
strument  of  this  attempt  was  George  Johnston,  Esq.  one  of 
the  British  coiii.asrisiouers.  "Mr.  Reed  replied — "I  am  not 
worth  buying,  but  siicu  as  I  am.  the  ki.ig  of  E  igland  is  not 
rich  enough  to  do  i!."  Tne  fac<s  were  disclosed  to  Congress, 
an  1  excited  considerable  feeling-.  Congress  then  resolved, 
t.iat  a!i  letters  addressed  to  members  of  Congress  by  British 
commissioners  or  agents,  or  a  iv  ^u:>pcts  of  the  kins  of  Great 
B.itain,  of  a  public  utture,  should  bo  laid  before  that  b  idy 
To  this  resolution,  a  spirited  replv  was  rrnde  from  New  Vo  I; 
bv  Johnston,  H'i'i  a  total  iis  tvowal  of  r;»i,»  fa^ts,  on  tho  uart  of 
Sir  Meary  Clinton,  lord  Carlisle,  and  Mr.  Elen.  At  the  same 
time,  a  ratification  of  the  convention  of  Saratoga  was  tender 
ed,  that  the  troops  of  Burgoyue  might  be  suffer  d  to  embark 
for  fiuglind.  Taid  was  Jeclned  by  Congress,  ualc-ss  ratified  * 
by  f;ie  British  government. 

T'leo .11  nissioners  then  Appealed  to  the  people,  and  this  was 
favored  bv  C  •  igress,  tru«ti'ij  taat  the  good  sense  of  the  in 
habitant  would  treat  it  with  coaiompt,  aad  cover  the  authors 


198  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

with  lasting  disgrace.  Chagrined  by  their  failure  in  this  in 
sidious  measure,  they  denounced  the  American  government  in 
a  manifesto,  threatening  the  American  people  with  destruc 
tion,  if  determined  ta  persevere  in  their  rebellion,  an'd  adhere 
to  their  alliance  with  France.  This  idle  threat  was  fairly 
met,  by  Congress,  by  a  developernent  of  (he  mode  of  warfare 
adopted  by  Ihe  enemy,  and  was  thus  concluded. 

*'  If  our  enemies  presume  toexecute  their  threats,  or  persist 
in  their  present  career  of  barbarity,  we  will  take  such  exem 
plary  vengeance  as  shall  deter  others  from  a  like  conduct. 
We  appeal  to  that  God,  who  is  the  searcher  of  hearts,  for  the 
rec'itude  of  our  intentions,  and  in  his  holy  presence  declare, 
that  as  we  are  not  moved  by  any  light  or  hasty  suggestions  of 
anger  or  revenge,  so  through  every  possible  change  of  fortune, 
we  will  adhere  to  this  onr  determination. 

Dr.  Franklin,  till  now  a  commissioner  at  the  French  court, 
was  appoiuted  minister  plenipotentiary  to  the  court  of  Ver 
sailles,  with  instructic  ns  to  negotiate  for  an  expedition  to  Can 
ada.  About  this  time,  the  Sieui  Gerard  delivered  his  credent 
tials  to  Congress,  and  was  recognized  as  a  minister  from  the 
French  court. 

The  marquis  La  Fayette,  at  this  time,  requested  leave  to 
return  to  France  ;  to  which  congress  readily  consented,  and 
directed  the  President  to  express  to  him  by  letter,  the  thanks 
«f  congress,  for  that  disinterested  zeal  that  led  him  to  Ameri 
ca,  as  well  as  those  services  he  had  rendered  the  United  Slates, 
by  the  exertions  of  his  courage  and  abilities,  on  many  signal 
occasions.  They  also  directed  doc-or  Franklin  to  cause  an 
elf  gant  sword  to  be  made,  with  proper  devices,  and  presented 
to  the  marquis,  in  the  name  of  the  United  States.  Congress 
at  the  same  time,  addressed  a  letter  to  the  king  of  France  ex 
pressive  of  tbe  high  sense  they  entertained  of  the  talents  and 
services  of  the  marquis.  He  took  his  leave  of  congress,  by  let 
ter  ;  repaired  to  Boston,  and  embarked  for  France. 

Pending  these  movements,  the  Indians,  in  concert  with  the 
tories,  began  their  ravages  upon  the  Susquehannah  ;  entered 
the  settlements,  in  a  body  of  about  sixteen  hundred  ;  defeated 
colonel  Batler,  at  the  head  of  about  four  hundred  men,  and  cut 
off  his  party  with  a  terrible  slaughter.  They  took  one  small 
fort  at  Kingston,  end  then  carried  Fort  Wilkesbarre  ;  butcher 
ed  the  garrison,  and  burnt  Ihe  women  and  children  in  the  bar 
racks. — They  next  proceeded  to  lay  waste  the  settlements  with, 
fire  and  tword,  and  destroyed  the  cattle  io  tbe  most  wanton 
and  barbarous  manner  ;  but  spared  the  persons  and  property 
of  the  tories. 

The  following  extract  from  Mr/Gordoo's  revolutionary  wap, 
3»ay  serve  as  a  specimen  of  the  distresses  of  Wyoming: 


THE  UNITED  STATES. 

**  The  following  are  a  few  of  the  more  singular  cruelties 
practised  in  the  attack  upon  Wyoming.  Captain  Braddock, 
who  had  been  taken  prisoner,  had  his  body  stuck  full  of  splin 
ters  and  pine  knots,  and  then  a  heap  of  pine  knots  piled  round 
him  ;  the  whole  was  then  set  on  fire,  and  his  two  companions, 
captains  Ransom  and  Durgee,  thrown  into  the  flames,  and  held 
d->wn  with  pitchforks.  The  tones  were  the  most  distinguished 
for  th&ir  cruelties  ;  in  this  they  resembled  the  British  forces. 
One  of  those  Wyoming  tones,  whose  mother  had  married  a 
second  husband,  butchered  with  his  own  hands  both  his  father- 
in-law,  his  own  sisters,  and  their  infant  children.  Another, 
who  during1  his  absence  had  sent  home  several  threats  against 
the  life  of  his  father,  now  not  only  executed  them  in  pprson^ 
but  was  with  his  own  hands,  the  exterminator  of  his  family, 
mother,  brothers  and  sisters,  and  mingled  their  blood  indis 
criminately  with  that  of  the  husband  and  father." 

But  to  dwell  on  this  subject  is  painful,  and  it  is  only  men- 
t'ouod,  that  our  descendants  m^y  have  a  faint  picture  of  the 
sufferings  which  have  been  endured  by  their  progenitors,  that 
they  may  know  the  value  of  the  legacy,  which  is  bequeathed 
to  their  posterity. 

Such  was  the  general  alarm  through  the  Union,  on  account 
of  these  barbarous  transactions,  and  such  <he  spirit  of  Virginia, 
that  an  expedition  was  sent  into  the  Indian  country,  under 
colonel  Clark,  against  the  French  settlements  on  the  upper 
Mississippi,  in  the  Illinois  country  ;  and  it  was  wt-11  under 
stood  that  the  governor  of  these  settlements  WHS  the  iosttgator 
of  these  acts  of  b*rbarily. 

Colonel  Clark  traversed  the  desert  with  his  party,  about 
twelve  bunded  miles,  and  reached  Ksskaskia,  attiiehourof 
midnight,  in  a  desperate  situation,  and  destitute  of  provisions  ; 
but  being  undiscovered,  he  ro^olved  to  strike  the  fata!  blow. 
He  entered  the  town  immediately,  and  secured  the  whole, 
consisting  of  two  hundred  an  fifty  houses,  with  the  fort,  the 
governor  ami  all  the  inhabitants,  without  even  an  alarm,  and 
sent,  the  governor  to  Virginia,  with  all  his  written  instruc  ions 
from  Quebec,  Montreal,  Detroit  and  Michilimakinac,  for  exci 
ting  the  Indians  to  war,  and  offering  a  bounty  on  scalps.  Co 
lonel  Clark  administered  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  this  village, 
and  sent  detachments  to  surprise  the  other  villages  ;  which  was 
done  in  regular  succession,  and  the  oath  of  allegiance  adminis 
tered,  until  the  whole  were  subdued  to  the  allegiance  of  the 
United  Slates. 

A  scene  of  the  same  stamp  of  that  at  Wyoming,  but  from  a 
very  different  quarter,  is  now  before  us. 

Lord  Corirvaliis  detached  general  Grav,  with  his  light  in 
fantry,  to  surprise  and  cut  off  the  American  forces  on  North 


200  UNIVERSAL    HISTORY  OF 

river,  in  conjunction  with  a  detachment  from  general  Kniphau- 
sen's  corps  ;  but  the  expedition  was  defeated  by  some  desert 
ers,  who  gave  timely  notice  to  general  Wayne,  and  he  eluded 
the  attack.  General  Gray  however,  conducted  his  movements 
with  such  despatch  as  to  surprise  colonel  Baylor's  troop  of 
horse,  asleep  and  naked  in  their  quarters;  (September  27th,) 
no  quarter  was  the  order  of  the  day,  and  the  whole  were  given 
up  to  indiscriminate  butchery,  and  bayoneted  in  cold  blood, 
whih>  begging  for  tnercv. 

Sir  Henry  Clinton  detached  captain  Ferguson,  with  about 
thrf-e  hundred  men,  upon  an  expedition  to  Little  Egg-Harbor, 
under  a  strong1  convoy,  to  destroy  the  American  shipping  ind 
privateers  ;  but  these  being1  removed,  captain  Ferguson"  pro 
ceeded  up  to  Chesnut  Neck,  where  he  destroyed  such  vessels 
as  we»e  there,  together  wth  the  whole  village,  arid  laid  waste 
the  adjacent  country,  and  repined  the  squadrou. — October 
5th. 

On  the  15th,  the  convoy  with  the  troops,  moved  round  to  an 
other  landing  place  not  far  distant,  and  landed  two  hundred 
and  fif'y  men  und^r  the  command  of  captain  Ferguson,  who 
advanced  into  the  country,  in  the  silence  of  night,  and  surpri 
sed  count  Pulawki's  light  infantry  ;  killed  the  baron  De  Base 
and  lieutenant  tie  la  Broderic,  with  fifty  privates.  These  were 
mostly  butchered  in  cold  blood,  begrgiBi*  for  mercy,  under  the 
ordert  of  MO  quarter*,  as  before  ;  but  count  Pulaski  closed  this 
horrid  scene,  by  a  sudden  charge  of  his  cavalry,  that  put  to 
flight  the  murderous  foe,  and  thus  saved  the  remnant  of  his 
infantry.  Captain  Ferguson  made  a  hasty  retreat,  embarked 
his  party,  and  returned  to  New  Vork. 

Admiral  Graves  arrived  at  No-v-York,  on  the  16th  of  Oc^o- 
ber,  in  a  most  shattered  condition,  by  a  violent  storm  whir-h  de 
tained  him  the  remainder  of  tiie  month  to  repair  the  fl-^t. 
About  the  first  of  November,  he  put  to  sea,  arid  appeared  off 
the  harbour  of  Boston,  on  a  visit  to  the  count  D'  Estaing  ; 
but  a  violent,  storm  hore  overtook  him,  scattered  his  fleet,  de 
stroyed  the  Somerset  of  64  guns  on  the  shores  of  Cape  Cod, 
ami  forced  the  rest  into  Rhode  Island  for  shelter. 

From  this  time  the  war  assumed  the  most  savage  aspect, 
and  exhibited  the  most  unrelenting  barbarity.  Except  in  few 
instances,  the  rules  of  civi'i/ed  warriors  seemed  hardly  to  be 
known,  and  the  combatants  seemed  mutually  determined  on  a 
war  of  extermination.  The  vrar  was  carried  anew  into  ihe 
Supquehannah  country.  Co).  VV in.  Butler,  at  the  head  of  a 
Pennsylvania  regiment,  with  a  bv«nd  of  riflemen,  Jed  an  expedi 
tion  to  the  Indian  villages,  which  he  destroyed,  and  after  en 
during  th»  -greatest  hardships,  returned  in  saf°»y  in  sixteen 
iia}£.  To  avenge  this  muursioii,  colonel  John  Bulier,  at  the 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  201 

head  of  a  strong  party,  surprised  colonel  Alclen  at  Cherry  Val 
ley.  wi»i>  vva*  killed,  and  the  greatest  cruelties  were  perpetra 
ted.  Fifty  or  sixty  men,  women,  and  children  were  killed  or 
Hiado  captives,  and  e  en  the  dead  were  made  monuments  of 
savage  harbari'ies. 

All  farther  designs  against  the  north,  seemed  now  to  be 
abandoned.  Clinton  and  Prescott,  wiio  commanded  in  East 
Florida,  isoncerted  a  pla«i  of  operations  against  Georgia.  Be 
fore  tiiis  r.ould  be  carried  into  effect,  <wo  parties  entered  Geor* 
gU  from  Florida,  one  by  Uod,  and  ilie  other  by  water.  The 
Fitter  advanced  to  Sunhury,  and  summoned  the  placf  to  sur 
render,  but  receiving  a  spirited  reply  from  colonel  Mackintosh, 
the  aU.jMhut  \vns  abandoned.  The  other  party  made  for  Sa 
vannah,  b  u  being  firmly  opposed  by  general  Screven  and  colo 
nel  Elbyrt,  nothing  was  effected,  if  we  except  the  plundering 
of  negroes  and  caitte,  and  the  commission  of  the  most  wanton 
barbarities.  Colonel  Screven  was  killed  in  the  defence. 

On  the  27th  ofXovo'Ur>~?r,  1773.  colonel  Campbell  embarked 
a(  Satiily  Hook,  at  the  head  of  one  regiment,  two  battalions 
of  reg-uiars,  and  fo:ir  of  lories,  with  a  detachment  of  artillery, 
in  a! labour,  twenty-five  hundred  men,  andarrived  ut  the  mouth 
of  the  Savannah,  the  latter  part  of  December,  and  soon  landed 
his  troops.  General  R  Howe  was  posted  in  this  place,  at  the 
head  of  about  eight  hundred  militia  and  regulars,  worn  down 
by  a  fruitless  expedition  against  Florida.  He  chose  a  judi 
cious  position  to  cover  Savannah,  but  was  out  goueialed,  sur 
prised  in  carnp,  and  routed  with  a  considerable  loss  of  men,  and 
arms.  The  fort  wi;h  its  contents,  forty  eig^t  pieces  of  can 
non,  twenty  three  mortars,  all  the  shipping,  a  large  store  of 
provisions,  and  the  capital  of  the  state  fell  into  the  bands  of 
the  victors.  The  defenceless  inhabitants  were  bayoneted  in 
the  s'reets,  and  the  remnant  of  the  troops  escaped  to  South 
Carolina.  Abou  th»s  time,  Sunbury  fell  into  the  hands  of 
general  Prescott,  who  m  trehed  to  Savannah,  and  took  command 
of  the  royal  arrny.  •"')•.•  inhabitants  were  directed  to  lay  down 
th"ir  arms,  or  u-;e  them  in  support  of  the  royal  cause. 

O  •  the  25th  of  ^eo'einber.  general  Lincoln  was  appointed  to 
the  command  of  tii  souiii  -rn  army,  but  he  did  not  arrive  at 
Cii.i'  I.^Nin  unt'i  the  4th  of  D.-C-jmbi?r.  He  was  joined  bv  g-'n- 
eral-:  Asne  an.J  Rirherforvi,  wi^h  about  two  thousand  N-»-lh 
C:;  >;i  ia  militia,  destined  to  act  in  defence  of  South  Carol  r-a. 
As  Georgia  was  the  point  of  atlaok,  ireneral  Lincoln  raised 
sorneMiing  less  than  a  fhn-isruid  men,  and  joined  the  remains  of 
lhe;roops  under  c  >i!)n-ji  EibiM-t..  ostablisbsir^  his  head  quarters 
at  Purysbu-g.  Here  he  found  h.m>etf  Ht  the  head  of  b  il  fo'ir- 
indired  m-Mi.  and  even  this  small  fo/ce  -lesntute  of  arms, 
cannon,  tents,  and  altnust  of  powder  and  lead.  The  milnia  of 


202  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

South  Carolina  were  without  discipline  or  subordination,  and 
on  the  24th  of  January,  1779,  they  had  generally  returned  to 
their  homes.  About  eleven  hundred  militia  from  North  Caro 
lina  supplied  their  place,  and  the  whole  force  was  about  twenty 
four  hundred. 

General  Prescott  had  taken  possession  of  Port  Royal  Island, 
South  Carolina,  and  general  Moult  rie,  at  the  head  of  the 
Charleston  militia,  attacked  the  island,  dislodged  the  enemy, 
and  compelled  the  colonel  to  retire  into  Georgia,  with  much 
Joss.  He  took  post  at  Augusta,  and  by  fomenting  divisions, 
and  encouraging  insurrections,  caused  much  distress.  But  a 
part}  from  the  district  of  Ninety-six,  under  colonel  P.ckens, 
pursued  the  banditti,  which  they  overtook,  routed,  k<lled,  or 
dispersed,  and  their  leader,  colonel  Boyd,  was  slain.  The  re 
mainder  threw  themselves  on  the  clemency  of  the  state. 
Seventy  Were  tried,  convicted,  and  sentenced  to  death,  but 
the  sentence  was  executed  on  five  of  the  principals  only,  and 
the  remainder  were  pardoned. 

General  Lincoln  determined  to  dislodge  the  enemy  from 
Georgia,  and  directed  general  Williamson  to  take  a  stiong  posi 
tion  near  Augusta,  to  walch  the  motions  of  co'onel  Campbell, 
and  general  Ashe,  was  ordered  to  the  support  of  general  Wil 
liamson,  with  about  two  thousand  men.  On  receiving  the  in 
telligence  of  this  junction,  the  BntLsh  retired  about  fourteen 
miles  down  the  river.  Measures  were  concerted  by  the  Ameri 
can  generals,  aad  the  plan  of  operations  settled. 

About  this  time,  colonej  Prevost  gained  the  rear  of  the  Ame 
rican  camp  by  a  circuitous  march,  and  commenced  a  furious 
attack.  The  continentals  advanced  to  the  charge,  to  check 
the  invaders;  but  the  militia  were  panic  struck,  and  flight  en 
sued.  The  regulars  under  general  Eibert  were  cut  to  pieces, 
and  the  militia,  under  general  Ashe,  never  returned.  Ameri 
cans  lost,  one  hundred  and  fifty  killed,  and  one  hundred  and 
sixty-two  captured.  The  wounded  not  numbered.  About  four 
hundred  and  fifty  rejoined  general  Liccoln.  Georgia  now  be 
longed  to  the  enemy,  and  a  free  communication  was  opened 
with  the  tories  of  South  Carolina. 

In  this  slate  of  alarm,  John  Rutledge  was  appointed  gover 
nor  of  the  slate,  and  to  him  and  the  council  was  given  a  dicta 
torial  power.  A  large  body  of  militia  was  assembled  at  Orange- 
burg,  near  the  centre  of  the  state,  to  act  as  might  be  re- 
f|i;ired.  General  Williamson  sent  parties  into  Georgia  to 
distress  and  plunder  the  enemy.  On  this,  general  Lincoln 
remarked  to  the  governor,  that  the  innocent  and  the  guilty,  the 
•egj-d  and  infirm,  women  and  children,  would  be  equally  ex 
posed  to  the  effects  of  this  order.  General  Lincoln,  was  novy 
reinforced  at  his  camp,  Black  swamp,  and  advanced  into  Geor- 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  203 

?ia,  leaving  a  strong  guard  under  general  Monlt.rie,  at  Purys- 
burg.  Prescott  permitted  the  Americans  lo  advance  one  hun 
dred  and  fifty  mile?,  that  he  might  surprise  general  Moultne. 
Moultne  eluded  the  attack,  b\  a  change  of  position. 

General  Lincoln,  learning  the  movements  of  Prescott,  moved 
by  forced  marche?  in  support  of  Moullrie,  and  to  cover  Charles 
ton.  The  governor  took  alarm  by  the  movements  of  Pies- 
cotf,  and  destroyed  the  suburbs,  that  he  might  gir.ird  against 
the  advance  of  the  enemy.  The  neighbouring  militia  were 
called  in  to  join  his  troops  in  defence  of  Charleston. 

On  the  llth,  general  Prescott  crossed  the  terry,  and  appear 
ed  before  Charleston,  on  which  day  the  count  Pulaski  arrived, 
and  entered  hito  the  defence  of  thi-;  city  with  ?f>irit.  The 
object  of  general  Prescott  was,  to  carry  the  town  before  gene 
ral  Lincoln  could  arrive,  and  his  operations  were  conducted 
with  such  vigour,  that  the  civil  authority  sent  out  the  following 
proposition. 

u  South  Carolina  will  remain  in  a  state  of  neutrality  till  the 
close  of  the  war,  and  then  follow  the  fate  of  her  ne'ghbors,  on 
condition,  the  royal  army  withdraw."  To  which  general  Pres 
cott  rerlied  :  "•  The  garrison  are  in  arms,  and  they  shall  sur 
render  prisoners  of  war." 

Before  general  Prescott  could  accomplish  any  thing  of  im 
portance,  general  Lincoln  arrived,  and  the  enemy  withdrew  to 
Beaufort,  and  thence  TO  Georgia.  Plunder  and  devastation 
marked  its  steps.  Slaves  to  the  number  of  three  thousand 
were  taken,  and  sent  for  pale  to  the  West- Indies. 

An  expedition  was  fiued  out  by  Sir  Henr\  Clinton,  under 
Sir  Gr-orge  Collier  and  general  Matthews,  from  Nc\v  York, 
who  took  possession  of  Portsmouth  and  the  remains  oi  Nor 
folk,  in  Virginia,  in  May.  1779.  On  the  same  day,  a  d  t:ich- 
m--nt  was  sent  to  Suffolk,  and  destroyed  provisions,  nr.val 
stores,  and  vessels,  leaving  the  town  in  ashes,  and  gentlt  me-'s 
seats,  as  well  as  plantations  were  burnt,  and  ravaged.  On  the 
ooast,  the  eanit-  ravages  were  committed  by  the  Beet.  A  /out 
one  hundred  and  thirty  vessels  were  destroyed  or  captured, 
with  about  three  thousand  hogsheads  of  tobacco. 

About  this  time  a  successful  attempt  was  made  against  Stoney 
Point  and  Verplank,  by  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  alter  which  he  weut 
forward  to  the  Highlands. 

Previous  to  these  operations,  sir  Henry  Clinton  had  concert 
ed  measures  with  the  toiies  and  British  under  his  c  nun^nd,  to 
assume  a  general  system  of'  predatoiy  war  in  Auierica,  and 
submitted  nis  plnns  to  the  British  ministry,  who  expressed  their 
approbation.  Thi*  plan  s<;ou  reached  the  American  ci.'Hi'iiis^i- 
on  at  Paris,  and  was  Ciiiiunur-icatpd  to  governor  TruiubuJl,  of 
Connecticut,  on  the  Gth  of  April,  1779. 


204  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

Sir  Henry  Clinton  detached  general  Tryon,  (late  governor 
of  New  York)  with  2600  land  forces,  protected  by  a  squadron 
under  sir  George  Collier,  and  supported  by  general  Gar'h,  to 
begin  their  depredations  in  Connecticut.  On  the  4th  of  July*, 
the  armament  moved  into  the  sound,  and  the  commanders  issued 
their  proclamation  to  the  citizens  of  Connecticut,  offering  par 
don  and  protection  to  all  such  as  would  return  to  their  allegi 
ance ;  but  threatening  ruin  and  destruction  to  all  who  should 
reject  this  overture.  On  the  morning  of  the  6th,  general  Try- 
on  landed  his  division  at  East  Haven;  general  Garth  landed  at 
the  same  time,  at  West  Haven,  and  proceeded  directly  to  INevv 
Hr.ven,  and  gave  up  the  town  to  promiscuous  pillage.  The 
miJitia  collected  so  fast  on  the  next  day,  that  the  enemy  aban 
doned  the  town  in  haste;  burnt  several  stores  on  long  wharf, 
and  embarked  their  troops. 

Tne  infamous  Tryon  next  proceeded  to  the  plunder  of  East 
Haven,  and  then  mailed  for  Fait  field.  The  town  and  vicinity 
were  laid  in  ruin:-:,  and  the  enemy  embarked  forNorwalk,  which 
was  next  la;d  in  ashes.  He  then  returned  to  New  York. 

In  this  incuision,  four  houses  for  public  worship,  near  one 
hundred  dwellings,  eighty  barns,  about  thirty  stores,  seven 
teen  shops,  four  mills,  and  five  vessels  were  burui.  And  in 
addition  to  this  destruction  of  property,  the  greatest  acts  of 
brutality  were  perpetrated.  Women  were  instils ed  and  abused, 
while  their  apparel  was  robbed,  a, id  desks,  trunks,  and  closets 
were  rifled. 

But  a  plan  was  concerted  by  general  Washington,  which 
kf  pt  in  check  this  hero  of  rapine  and  conflagration  This  plan 
issufd  in  the  capture  of  Stoney  Point,  on  the  Hudson. 

General  V*  ayne  commenced  his  moverm  nts  against  Stoney 
Point,  on  the  15th,  at  noon  ;  and  after  having  crossed  the  in«>un- 
tairiH,  through  dangerous  and  difficult  defies,  he  approached 
the  fort,  about  eight  of  the  ^anae  evening.  H:'vifg  rec<>nn<  uer- 
ed  the  position  of  the  enemy,  the  general  pui  himself  at  the 
hend  of  his  brave  troops,  and  at  twenty  minutes  past  twelve, 
precisely,  on  the  night  of  the  16th,  entered  the  for',  v -th 
screwed  bayonets,  amidst  a  moist,  tremendous  fi/e  of  muske'  ><-d 
grape,  and  carried  the  fortress  without  firing  a  gun.  Li-  r  te 
nant- colonel  Fleur?  entered  the  fort  with  his  division,  upon  the 
opposite  side,  at  the  same  time,  and  both  parties  met  in  the 
centre;  but  the  garrison  was  spared  and  made  prisoners  ot  war, 
to  the  number  of  five  hundred  and  ./nrfy  three.  Genet  al 
Wayne  dismantled  'he  fort,  aud  brought  off  the  cannou,  stores, 
&c.  ag-reeiible  to  orders. 

Congress  passed  a  vote  of  thanks  to  general  Washington, 
general  Wayne,  and  the  officers  and  soldi.4' s  under  their  com 
mand,  for  the  masterly  exploit  in  the  capture  of  Sioney  Point. 


THE    UNITED  STATES. 

The  English  having  persuaded  the  six  nations,  excepting  the 
OneidaSi  to  take  up  the  hntchet  against  the  United  States, 
general  Sullivan  was  sent  with  a  detachment  of  from  four  to 
five  thousand  men  to  chastise  them.  He  marched  up  the  Sus- 
quehannah,  and  attacked  them  in  their  fortifications,  which 
were  well  constructed.  The  resistance  was  obstinate,  but  they 
were  compelled  to  yield,  and  took  to  flight.  According  to  his 
instructions,  their  country  was  devastated,  and  one  hundred 
and  sixty  thousand  bushels  of  corn  were  consumed. 

The  attemion  of  the  reader  will  now  be  turned  to  the  ocean, 
where  the  brilliant  achievements  of  our  hardy  tars  struck  with 
terror  "the  mistress  of  the  seas." 

About  the  last  of  July,  the  American  captain,  John  Paul 
Jones,  sailed  from  port  L'Orient,  in  Prance,  on  a  cruise,  on 
board  the  French  ship,  the  Bon  Hornme  Richard,  of  forty  guns, 
and  375  men ;  accompanied  by  frigates  Alliance,  of  thirty-si.\ 
guns,  Pallas,  thirty-two  guns,  and  the-  Vengeance,  an  armed 
brig,  of  twelve  guns,  and  a  cutter.  Commodore  Jones  cruised 
•off  the  coast  of  Scotland,  with  his  little  squadron,  until  he  fell 
in  with  the  homeward  bound  Baltic  fleet,  under  the  convoy  of 
the  Serapis,  captain  Pierscn,  and  Countess  of  Scarborough, 
lain  Pearcy.  When  captain  Pierson  discovered  commodore 
Jones,  he  made  sail  to  cover  the  convoy,  and  gave  signal  at  the 
same  time.,  for  the  Countess  of  Scarborough  to  join  him.  which 
was  immediately  done,  September  23. 

Commodore  Jones  immediately  laid  his  ship  along  side  of  the 
Serapis,  and  commenced  an  action,  which  soon  became  des 
perate;  but  the  Serapis  appeared  to  reap  advantage  from  her 
superior  management.  To  obviate  this,  commodore  Jones  laid 
his  ship  across  the  bow  of  the  Serapis.  and  the  ships  grappled, 
yard  arm  and  yard  arm,  and  the  muzzles  of  their  guns  were 
nearly  in  contact.  In  this  position  they  lay,  vomiting  forth 
death,  and  strewing  the  decks  with  carnage  and  destruction, 
about  two  hours.  Both  ships  were  frequently  on  fire,  but  the 
Serapis  not  less  than  ten  or  twelve  times.  The  Alliance  at 
tempted  to  co-operate  in  the  action,  and  with  some  good  effect, 
until  the  darkness  of  the  evening  rendered  it  impossible  to  dis 
tinguish  correctly,  when  she  killed  eleven  men,  and  wounded 
several  others,  on  board  the  Bon  Homme  Richard.  At  this 
critical  moment,  the  Serapis  struck,  and  closed  the  sanguinary 
scene.  The  Bon  Homme  Richard,  at  the  close  of  the  action, 
was  so  much  of  a  wreck,  as  to  have  seven  feet  of  water  in  her 
hold,  which  rendered  it  necessary  to  remove  the  crew  on  board 
the  Serapis,  and  the  wounded  on  board  the  Pallas.  On  the 
24th,  her  pumps  were  closely  plied;  but  on  the  25th  she  went 
down  :  fortunately  no  lives  were  lost. 
18 


206  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

The  Pallas  engaged  and  took  the  Countess  of  Scarborough, 
at  the  same  time,  and  commodore  Jones  sailed  with  his  prizes, 
for  the  coast  of  Holland,  and  anchored  off  the  Texel. 

We  shall  now  return  to  the  operations  in  the  southern  states. 

Instead  of  pursuing  general  Prescott  in  his  retreat  to  Geor 
gia,  general  Lircoln  devoted  all  his  powers  and  strength,  to 
the  defence  of  Charleston,  against  any  further  attack.  After 
learning  the  success  of  the  count  D'Estaing  in  the  West  Indies, 
governor  Rutledge,  general  Lincoln,  and  the  French  consul, 
wrote  to  the  count,  inviting  him  to  co-operate  with  the  Ameri 
cans  in  the  reduction  of  Savannah.  The  invitation  was  ac 
cepted,  and  on  the  first  of  September  he  arrived  off  Charleston, 
with  a  fleet  of  twenty  sail  of  the  line,  two  of  fifty  guns,  and 
eleven  frigates.  A  British  eighty  gun  ship  and  three  frigates 
were  taken  by  surprise. 

On  the  arrival  of  the  count,  general  Lincoln  marched  with 
all  his  troops  for  Savannah.  The  fleet  ,  ailed  to  join  him  :  the 
French  troops  were  landed  in  ten  or  twelve  days,  and  count 
D'Estaing  summoned  the  town  to, surrender  to  the  arms  of  the 
king  of  France.  General  Lincoln  remonstrated  against  this, 
as  the  Americans  were  acting  in  concert.  The  count  persisted, 
and  general  Prescott  demanded  a  cessation  of  hostilities  for 
twenty-four  hours,  to  deliberate,  which  was  granted.  During 
this  time,  seven  or  eight  hundred  troops  arrived  from  Beaufort, 
and  general  Prescott  determined  to  defend  the  town  to  the  last 
extremity.  The  count  saw  his  error,  and  consulted  general 
Lincoln,"  and  they  united  their  efforts  to  carry  the  town  by  a 
regular  siege.  On  the  23d  of  September,  the  allies  broke 
ground,  and  commenced  their  operations.  On  fhe  4th  of  Oc 
tober,  they  opened  their  batteries,  and  began  to  play  upon  the 
town  with  nine  mortars,  and  fifty-four  pieces  of  cannon,  which 
continued  four  or  five  days  without  intermission,  but  without 
any  apparent  effect.  On  the  morning  of  the  8th,  the  enemy 
sallied  out  and  attempted  to  set  fire  to  the  abattis  ;  but  the 
materials  were  green,  the  weather  moist,  and  the  attempt  fail 
ed.  General  Prescott  next  requested,  that  the  women  and 
children  might  be  removed  ;  but  this  was  refused,  and  U^e  allies 
resolved  to  carry  the  town  by  storm.  The  morning  of  the  9th 
was  the  'time  agreed  upon,  and  the  assault  commenced.  The 
attack  was  well  concerted  and  bravely  executed  by  the  allies; 
yet  the  fire  of  the  enemy  was  so  destructive,  that,  the  troops 
gave  way,  after  having  planted  the  French  and  American 
standards  upon  the  British  redoubts.  At  this  eventful  moment, 
the  brave  count  Pulaski  fell,  mortally  wounded,  at  ths  head  of 
his  legion,  when  charging  the  enemy  in  their  rear,  in  the  full 
career  of  victory.  The  allies  supported  thio  desperate  conflict 
fifty-five  minutes,  under  a  deadly  fire,  from  tne  eneim's  baite- 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  207 

nes,  and  then  made  good  their  retreat,  with  the  loss  of  six 
hundred  and  thirty-seven  French,  and  two  hundred  and  thirty- 
four  continentals,  killed  and  wounded. 

The  defence  of  the  place  was  well  conducted  by  general 
Prescott,  and  he  certainly  deserved  the  applause  of  his  king 
and  country. 

In  consideration  of  the  bravery  of  count  Pulaski,  the  congress 
resolved  that  a  monument  be  erected  to  his  memory. 

The  count  D'Estaing  soon  embarked,  and  seven  ships  were 
ordered  for  the  Chesapeake,  one  of  which  only,  arrived  at  the 
place  of  destination,  the  fleet  having  been  dispersed  by  a  storm. 
The  remainder  steered  for  the  West  Indies. 

As  sir  Henry  Clinton  expected  an  attack  on  New  York  by 
the  French  fleet,  general  Pigot  was  ordered  to  evacuate  Rhode 
Island,  which  order  was  accomplished,  and  the  troops  repaired 
to  head  quarters,  at  New  York. 

Near  the  close  of  December,  as  the  coast  was  still  clear,  sir 
Henry  planned  an  expedition  to  South  Carolina.  He  embark 
ed  seven  thousand  five  hundred  troops,  under  convoy  of  admiral 
Arbuthnot,  and  about  the  last  of  January,  1780,  he  appeared 
off  Charleston.  As  one  ordnance  ship  and  several  transports 
had  been  wrecked  and  lost  on  the  passage,  and  several  taken 
by  the  Americans,  he  was  not  prepared  to  effect  a  landing,  un 
til  February  1 1th,  when  he  landed  on  the  south  side  of  John's 
island,  thirty  miles  from  the  city. 

But  this  expedition  had  been  foreseen  by  congress,  and  pre 
parations  were  made  to  meet  it.  Three  continental  frigates 
were  to  sail  for  the  port,  and  a  trusty  officer  was  despatched  to 
the  Havanna,  in  order  to  obtain  ships  and  troops  for  the  de 
fence,  promising  as  a  return,  two  thousand  men  to  co-operate 
with  the  Spaniards  in  the  reductioa  of  St.  Augustine. 

To  the  force  of  seven  or  eight  thousand  men,  general  Lin 
coln  could  oppose  but  two  thousand  four  hundred,  near  half  of 
whom  were  militia  ;  yet  with  them  he  hoped  to  defend  the 
city.  The  continental  frigates  arrived,  and  landing  their  crews, 
guns,  and  equipments,  prepared  to  act  on  the  defensive.  The 
British  admiral  entered  the  harbour  with  all  the  ships  which 
could  pass  the  bar. 

On  the  10th  of  April,  the  town  was  summoned  to  surrender, 
which  the  commander  refused.  On  the  12th,  sir  Henry  opened 
his  batteries  on  the  town,  and  his  fire  was  promptly  returned 
during  eight  successive  days.  On  the  18th,  a  reinforcement 
arrived  from  New  York,  of  three  thousand  men,  and  sir  Henry 
approached  within  three  hundred  yards  of  the  American  lines. 
A  council  of  war  was  now  called,  by  general  Lincoln,  of  which* 
the  following  was  the  result  •, 


208  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

•'  A  retreat  wonld  be  attended  with  many  distressing  incon 
veniences,  if  not  altogether  impracticable,  for  the  undermen 
tioned  causes. 

1.  The  authority  is  averse  to  it,  and  would  counteract  the 
measure. 

2.  It  must   be  performed  in  the   face  of  a  superior  enemy, 
across  a  river  three  miles  wide. 

3.  The  passes  are  occupied  by  the  enemy,  which  must  be 
forced. 

4.  All  these  obstacles  being  overcome,  the  Santee  must  be 
crossed    without    boats,  in  the  face  of  a  pursuing    enemy. — 
We  therefore  advise  to  make  immediate  terms  with  the  ene 
my." 

General  Lincoln,  however,  determined  to  continue  the  de 
fence  ;  but,  on  the  26th,  general  Lincoln  again  smnmone'l  ano 
ther  council  of  war,  and  at  the  eventful  moment,  the  flag  of  the 
enemy  was  seen  to  wave  on  the  walls  of  fort  Moultrie.  Sul 
livan's  Island  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  on  the  6th  of 
May. 

Sir  Henry  Clinton  pushed  his  approaches,  and  on  the  8th, 
he  opened  a  correspondence  with  general  Lincoln ;  renewed 
his  summons,  offered  terms,  &c.  and  threatened  to  renew  hos 
tilities  at  8  o'clock.  The  eventful  hour  arrived  :  and  awful, 
solemn  silence  ensued  ;  neither  party  fired  a  gun;  all  was  anx 
ious  suspense  for  an  hour,  yet  neithtr  party  moved  a  proposi 
tion.  At  9,  the  besieged  opened  a  fire  upon  the  enemy,  who 
in  their  turn,  opened  their  batteries  upon  the  town,  which 
threatened  to  bury  it  in  ruins.  The  town  was  repeatedly  on 
fire,  and  many  houses  were  burnt;  at  the  same  time,  sir  Hen 
ry  advanced  his  last  parallel  to  the  distance  of  twenty  yards, 
and  prepared  for  a  general  assault,  by  sea  and  land. 

The  critical  moment  had  now  arrived  ;  the  people  by  their 
leaders,  called  on  general  Lincoln  to  renew  the  conference, 
and  make  terms  with  the  enemy.  The  lieutenant-governor 
and  council  enforced  the  request.  The  militia  threw  down 
their  arms,  and  all  was  submission. 

General  Lincoln  renewed  the  conference  with  sir  Henry,  and 
accepted  his  terms.  Sir  Henry  complied,  and  the  next  day  the 
garrison,  with  all  such  as  had  borne  arms,  marched  out  and  be 
came  prisoners  of  war,  May  12th. 

The  French  consul,  and  the  subjects  of  France  and  Spain, 
were,  with  their  houses  and  effects,  to  be  protected  ;  but  they 
themselves  were  to  be  considered  prisoners  of  war. 

At  this  time,  colonel  Buford  was  advancing  through  the  up 
per  country,  with  a  party  of  300  Virginians,  to  the  relief  of 
Charleston.  When  colonel  Tarleton  learnt  the  position  of  this 
party,  he  advanced  with  about  700  cavalry  and  mounted  io- 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  209 

fantry,  by  a  forced  march  of  105  miles,  in  fifty. four  hours,  and 
surprised  them  at  Ihe  Waxhaws,  and  summoned  the  colonel  to 
surrender.  A  parley  ensued  ;  and  during  the  conference,  colo 
nel  Tarleton  surrounded  the  party,  and  cut  them  to  pieces,  while 
begging  for  mercy.  Thirty-seven  only,  were  made  prisoners, 
and  the  remainder  were  either  killed  or  wounded  in  the  butch 
ery.  Lord  Cornwallis  highly  applauded  the  act,  and  recom 
mended  colonel  Tarleton  specially,  to  the  favor  of  his  sovereign. 
With  this  blow,  the  state  of  South  Carolina  was  subdued,  and 
a  regular  British  government  was  organized. 

General  Gates,  then  in  Virginia,  was  appointed  to  succeed 
genera]  Lincoln,  in  the  southern  command. 

Georgia  and  South  Carolina  were  now  wholly  subdued,  and 
the  enemy  saw  his  way  clear,  to  advance  into  North  Carolina. 

To  counteract  these  movements  of  Tarleton,  and  keep  up  the 
spirits  of  the  people,  generals  Marion,  and  Sumpter,  at  the 
head  of  their  flying  parties,  kept  up  a  system  of  predatory  war 
fare,  that  greatly  hairassed  and  annoyed  the  enemy.  So  sharp 
and  desperate  were  their  attacks,  that  in  one  instance,  general 
Sumpter  reduced  the  prince  of  Wales'  regiment,  from  the  num 
ber  of  273  to  nine. 

While  the  brave  Sumpter  was  thus  harrassing  the  enemy, 
and  animating  the  zeal  of  the  inhabitants,  a  considerable  force 
was  traversing  the  middle  states  southward,  for  the  relief  cf 
the  British  troops. 

On  the  6th  of  June,  generals  Knip'iausen,  Robertson,  Tryon, 
and  Sterling,  crossed  over  from  Staten  Inland  into  New  Jersey, 
at  the  head  of  5000  regulars.  On  the  7th,  they  advanced  to 
Connecticut  farm?,  distant  about  five  miles,  in  quest  of  the 
Rer.  James  Caldwell,  whose  patriotic  zeal  had  rendered  him 
peculiarly  obnoxious  ;  wantonly  shot  his  wife  in  her  own  house  ; 
then  burnt  the  house  and  meeting-house,^  with  about  a  dozen 
other  dwelling  houses.  The  royal  army  next  attempted  to  ad 
vance  to  Springfield;  but  were  checked  by  colonel  Dayton, 
supported  by  general  Maxwell,  and  they  fled  in  disorder. 

General  Washington  considered  this  movement  as  a  feint  in 
sir  Henry  Clinton,  to  open  the  way  for  an  attack  upon  West 
Point ;  he  accordingly  detached  general  Greene,  at  the  head  of 
a  strong  party,  to  watch  the  motions  of  the  enemy.  General 
Washington  learning  from  general  Greene,  that  Springfield 
was  their  object  of  destination,  sent  forward  a  detachment  to 
support  general  Greene. 

The  enemy  advanced  upon  Springfield,  at  five  in  the  morn 
ing  of  the  23d  of  June.  General  Greene  disputed  every  pass 
valiantly;  but  obstinate  bravery  was  constrained  to  yield  to 
superior  numbers;  general  Greene  retired  to  the  high  grounds, 
and  the  enemy  gained  the  town.  Here  the  ravages  of  the 
18* 


210  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

Farms  were  renewed;  Britannia  played  the  savage  again,  and 
Springfield  smoked  in  ruins. 

The  commander-in-chie^  sensible  of  the  worth  and  talents  of 
general  Greene,  returned  the  thanks  of  himself  and  his  suffer 
ing  country,  to  him  and  the  men  under  his  command.  But 
this  skirmish  was  not  to  pass  off  so  lightly.  The  militia  rallied 
in  considerable  force,  and  drove  the  enemy  to  Staten  Island,  in 
a  precipatate  retreat. 

The  marquis  La  Fayette,  who  had  been  to  France  on  leave 
of  absence,  now  returned  to  head  quarters.  He  had  negotiated 
for  supplies  from  tho  French  government,  and  an  armament 
was  soon  to  follow  him.  On  the  10th  of  July,  the  armament 
arrived  at  Newport,  Rhode  Island,  consisting  of  two  ships  of 
eighty  guns,  one  of  seventy-four,  four  of  sixty-four,  two  fri 
gates  of  forty,  a  cutter  of  twenty,  an  hospital  ship,  pierced  for 
sixty-four,  one  bomb-ship,  and  thirty-two  transports,  under  the 
command  of  the  chevalier  de  Ternay.  Also  four  old  regiments 
of  land  forces,  together  with  the  legion  of  de  Lauzern,  and  a 
battalion  of  artillery  ;  in  the  whole,  about  6000,  under  the  com 
mand  of  lieut.  general  count  de  Rocliambeau. 

General  Heath  received  the  count  at  his  landing,  and  put 
him  and  his  troops  in  possession  of  the  Island,  where  they  were 
handsomely  accommodated.  The  general  assembly,  then  in 
session  at  Newport,  by  their  special  committee,  presented  the 
count  with  a  complimentary  address;  to  which  the  count  repli 
ed,  with  assurances,  that  a  much  greater  force  would  soon  fol 
low  him,  and  that  his  whole  powers  would  be  devoted  to  the 
service  of  the  United  States. 

•'The  French  troops,"  added  the  count,  "are  under  the 
strictest  discipline,  and  acting  under  the  orders  of  general 
Washington,  will  live  with  the  Americans  as  brethren.  I  arn 
highly  sensible  oftne  marks  of  respect  shewn  me  by  the  assem 
bly,  and  beg  leave  to  assure  them,  that  as  brethren,  not  only 
my  life,  but  the  lives  of  the  troops  under  my  command,  are  de- 
yotedto  their  service." 

The  marquis  witnessed  these  respectful  attentions  to  his 
countrymen,  and  in  honour  to  our  French  allies,  Washington 
directed  in  his  general  orders,  that  black  and  white  cockades 
should  be  worn  as  a  compliment. 

But  the  wants  of  the  country  were  pressing,  and  congress 
directed,  that  bills  to  the  amount  of  twenty  five  thousand 
pounds  sterling  should  be  drawn  on  Dr.  Franklin,  at  the  French 
court ;  and  that  bills  to  the  same  amount  should  be  drawn  on 
John  Jay,  mii.ister  at  the  court  of  Spain,  and  that  the  money 
should  be  immediately  applied  to  the  use  of  the  troops. 

&ftqr  the  fall  of  Charleston,  sir  Henry  committed  the  care  of 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  211 

the  southern  states  to  lord  Cornwallis,  at  the  head  of  four  thou 
sand  men,  and  returned  to  New  York. 

The  arrival  cf  the  fleet  under  the  chevalier  Ternay,  at 
Rhode  Island,  gave  admiral  Arbuthnot  considerable  alarm. 
His  whole  fores  amounted  to  but  four  ships  of  the  line.  But 
he  was  joined  by  admiral  Graves,  with  six  line  of  battle  ships, 
and  felt  himself  secure  from  attack  in  New  York.  With  this 
reinforcement,  sir  Honry  concerted  an  attack  on  the  French 
fleet  at  Newport,  and  immediately  embarked  eight  thousand 
troops.  The  fleet  put  into  Huntington  bay  on  Long  Island. 
The  country  was  alarmed,  and  the  militia  turned  out  in  force. 
But  general  Washington  made  a  diversion,  by  moving  his  whole 
force  down  to  Kingsbridge,  and  threatening  New  York.  The 
plan  succeeded,  and  sir  Henry  returned  to  New  York  in  haste. 
In  the  south  lord  Cornwallis,  having  settled  the  government 
of  South  Carolina;  prepared  to  subdue  the  rebellious  spirit  of 
the  North  Carolinians.  This  was  seen  by  the  Americans,  and 
general  Gates,  with  his  shadow  of  an  army,  moved  across 
Deep  River,  on  the  27th  of  July,  to  watch  the  motions  of  the 
enemy.  On  the  6th  of  August,  he  was  joined  by  general  Cas- 
well,  at  the  head  of  a  fine  body  of  North  Carolina  militia,  who 
were  in  good  spirits,  but  under  bad  discipline  ;  and  he  encamp 
ed  at  the  Cross  Roads,  on  his  way  to  Camden.  On  the  13th, 
he  moved  forward  his  army  to  Clermont,  where  he  was  joined 
by  brigadier-general  Stevens,  with  about  seven  hundred  Vir 
ginia  militia.  An  express  also  arrived,  informing  him  that 
colonel  Sumpter  would  join  him  at  Camden,  with  a  detach 
ment  of  South  Carolina  militia,  and  that  an'escort  of  clothing, 
ammunition  and  stores,  was  on  its  way  from  Charleston  to 
Camden,  for  the  use  of  the  garrison  posted  there. 

General  Gates  immediately  detached  lieutenant-colonel 
Woodford,  at  the  head  of  the  Maryland  line,  consisting  of  one 
hundred  infantry,  a  company  of  artillery,  with  two  brass  field- 
pieces,  and  about  three  hundred  North  Carolina  militia  to  join 
colonel  Sumpter,  reduce  the  forts,  and  intercept  the  convoy. 
General  Gates  prepared  to  support  colonel  Sumpter  with  hia 
whole  force  ;  total  about  four  thousand. 

But  Curnwallis  had  anticipated  this  movement,  and  entered 
Camden  the  day  previous,  and  an  attack  was  meditated  ongen- 
earal  Gates,  in  his  camp  at  Clermont.  Both  generals  put  their 
armies  in  motion  early  in  the  evening  of  the  15th,  and  their 
advance  parties  met  in  the  woods  about  2  o'clock  in  the  morning 
of  the  16th;  a  conflict  ensued,  the  Americans  gave  way  in 
some  disorder,  but  they  soon  recovered,  and  a  skirmishing  con 
tinued  though  the  night.  When  morning  appeared,  both  gen 
erals  made  their  dispositions  to  contest  the  field.  An  action 
commenced  ;  the  regular  troops  were  firm,  but  the  militia  be- 


212  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

inor  overpowered  by  the  British  bayonets,  gave  way,  and  dis 
persed  as  they  fled.  The  victory  was  complete,  and  the  gene 
ral  and  his  regulars  were  abandoned  to  their  fate.  Several 
parties  of  militia,  who  were  advancing  to  join  the  army,  turned 
their  arms  against  the  fugitives,  and  thus  completed  the  over 
throw.  The  pursuit  continued  for  more  than  twenty  miles, 
and  the  road  was  strewed  with  the  fragments  of  this  routed  ar 
my,  together  with  the  wounded,  the  dead  and  the  dying.  A 
party  of  horse,  supported  by  200  infantry,  at  the  distance  of 
more  than  eighty  miles  from  the  scene  of  acticn,  upon  the  first 
intelligence,  abandoned  their  ground,  and  sought  safety  by 
flight. 

The  brave  baron  De  Kaib  fell  in  this  action,  much  and  de 
servedly  lamented.  He  was  at  the  head  of  the  Maryland 
troops,  and  second  in  command.  Congress  ordered  that  a 
monument  should  be  raised  to  his  memory,  at  Annapolis. 

The  advantages  of  this  victory  were  not  great.  The  losses 
and  want  of  supplies  in  a  sickly  season,  compelled  Cornwallis  to 
return  to  Camden. 

General  Greene  now  arrived,  and  succeeded  general  Gates  in 
the  command  of  the  southern  army. 

The  country  still  continued  to  suffer  by  the  ravages  of 
Tarleton,  who  was  detached  at  the  "head  of  his  cavalry  to  dis 
lodge  general  Morgan  from  his  position  at  the  cowpens. 

He  commenced  his  operations  with  his  usual  impetuosity  ; 
traversed  the  country  for  several  days,  laying  waste  every 
thing  in  his  course,  until  he  arrived  at  Morgan's  position  ;  and 
commenced  an  action  with  the  same  impetuosity  ;  the  Ameri 
cans  were  dislodged  with  some  disorder,  but  they  rallied  to  the 
charge,  and  were  victorious  in  their  turn.  Tarleton  was  de 
feated,  his  army  routed,  his  artillery  and  baggage  taken,  and 
he  with  the  mounted  fugitives,  fled  to  lord  Cornwallis,  January 
7,  1781. 

This  defeat  roused  his  lordship  ;  he  comrnersred  a  pursuit,. 
and  the  Americans  retired.  General  Greene  had  the  address  to 
harrass  his  lordship,  and  yet  avoid  a  genera!  action,  until  lie  ar 
rived  at  Guilford,  near  the  confines  of  Virginia,  where  he  made 
a  stand,  and  gave  him  battle.  General  Greene,  with  his  little 
army  had  hopes  of  success  against  his  lordchip's  pursuing  for 
ces,  though  greatly  superior.  The  movements  were  well  con 
certed,  and  well  executed,  and  the  conflict  wassharp  and  bloody  ; 
but  the  militia  gave  way,  the  regulars  were  overpowered,  and 
general  Greene  drew  off  his  troops  in  good  order,  and  took  a 
strong  position. 

The  severity  of  the  action  occasioned  his  lordship  to  make  a 
retrograde  movement,  to  recover  his  losses. 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  213 

Sir  Henry  had  detached  a  fleet  from  New  York,  with  fifteen 
hundred  troops  on  board,  toco-operate  with  Cornwallis.  The 
troops  were  lauded  in  Chesapeake  bay,  and  committed  the 
most  alarming  depredations.  Ineffectual  attempts  were  made 
to  dislodge  them.  A  movement  was  now  made  by  general 
Greene  towards  South  Carolina,  which  had  become  an  ene 
my's  country.  He  boldly  advanced,  and  gavo  battle  to  lord 
Rawdon,  who  was  in  the  vicinty  of  Camden.  A  desperate  con 
test  ensued,  and  victory  was  doubtful.  Both  withdrew  from 
the  conflict,  and  left  the  field  covered  with  the  dead.  Lord 
Rawdon  retired  to  Camden,  and  strengthened  his  position. 

General  Greene  advanced,  and  by  a  desperate  assault,  was 
on  the  point  of  carrying  the  strong  fortress  of  Ninety  Six,  the 
reduction  of  which  would  have  recovered  all  South  Carolina, 
except  Charleston. 

At  this  critical  moment,  lord  Rawden  retired  in  person  to 
Charleston  ;  put  himself  at  the  head  of  1700  fresh  troops,  then 
arrived  from  Ireland,  an  J  by  forced  marches,  advanced  to  the  re 
lief  of  Ninety  Six.  The  approach  of  his  lordship,  compelled 
general  Greene  to  abandon  the  assault,  when  engaged  hand  to 
hand,  with  the  enemy,  and  when  victory  was  ready  to  decide  in 
his  favor.  The  general  drew  off  his  army  towards  Camden  in 
good  order,  and  his  lordship  pursued  ;  but  general  Greene  elu 
ded  his  lordship,  by  filing  off  towards  Charleston  and  taking  a 
strong  position  upon  the  hills  of  Santee.  Lord  Rawdon  re 
tired  to  Charleston. 

The  war,  during-  these  operations  in  the  south  raged  in  Vir 
ginia,  under  the  command  of  general  Phillips,  through  the 
month  of  April,  and  the  ravages  of  the  enemy  exceeded  all  de 
scription.  At  Petersburg  they  destroyed  all  the  shipping  and 
about  four  hundred  hogsheads  of  tobacco.  At  Osborn's  Mills, 
they  took  two  ships  and  ten  smaller  vessels,  laden  with  cord 
age,  flour,  &c.  Four  ships  and  a  number  of  smaller  vessels 
were  burnt  or  sunk,  besides  many  others,  destroyed  by  the 
Americans,  to  prevent  their  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy  ; 
together  with  about  three  thousand  hogsheads  of  tobacco, 
April  27.  On  the  30th,  they  penetrated  to  Manchester,  and 
destroyed  1200  hogsheads  more,  thence  they  proceeded  to 
Warwick,  and  laid  waste  the  shipping,  both  in  the  river  and  on 
the  stocks,  also  extensive  rope  walks,  tanneries,  warehouses 
and  magazines  of  flour,  mills,  &c.  in  one  general  conflagration, 
and  then  embarked  on  board  their  shipping. 

The  baron  Steuben  opposed  this  party,  but  his  force  was  in 
sufficient  to  make  any  serious  impressions.  The  Marquis  La  Fay- 
ette  was  detached  with  troops  to  succour  the  town,  but  such  was 
the  state  of  the  military  funds,  that  when  he  arrived  at  Baltimore, 
he  was  obliged  to  borrow  two  thousand  guineas,  on  his  owr» 


2)4  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

responsibility,  to  enable  him  to  proceed.  On  the  strength  of 
this,  he  advanced  to  Richmond,  where  he  joined  the  baron,  with 
the  Virginia  militia,  and  covered  Richmond.  Here  he  watch 
ed  the  movements  of  the  enemy,  though  too  weak  to  check  all 
their  operations.  On  the  9th  of  May  general  Phillips 'entered 
Petersburg1,  where  he  died  on  the  13th. 

Of  the  sufferings  of  the  southern  army  we  may  form  some 
estimate,  by  reading  an  extract  of  a  letter  from  general 
Greene  to  the  Marquis  : 

"  You  may  depend  upon  it,  that  nothing  can  equal  the  suf 
ferings  of  our  little  army,  but  their  merits.  Let  not  the  love 
of  fame  get  the  better  of  your  prudence,  and  plunge  you  into  a 
misfortune,  in  too  eager  a  pursuit  after  glory.  This  is  the 
voice  of  n  friend,  not  of  a  general." 

Lord  Cornwallis  had  advanced  from  Guilford  to  Wilmington, 
and  left  general  Greene  in  the  rear.  From  Wilmington  he  ad 
vanced  to  join  general  Phillips,  in  Petersburg.  The  general 
was  dead,  but  he  found  eighteen  hundred  troops,  and  being 
thus  reinforced,  he  advanced  towards  Richmond,  in  order  to 
dislodge  the  Marquis.  Flushed  by  recent  triumphs,  in  a  letter 
to  sir  Henry,  he  thus  wrote"  the  boy  cannot  escape  me."  The 
marquis  did  escape,  however,  and  evacualed  the  place  on  the 
27th. 

On  the  7th  of  June,  general  Wayne  joined  the  marquis 
with  eight  hundred  of  the  Pennsylvania  militia.  While  on  the 
march,  however,  supposing  the  main  army  of  Cornwallis  had 
crossed  the  river  James,  he  attacked  what  he  supposed  to  be 
the  rear  guard,  when  to  his  surprise,  he  found  the  general  at 
the  head  of  the  army,  ready  to  receive  him.  Finding  no  time 
was  to  be  lost  he  advanced  to  the  charge  at  the  head  of  his 
column  in  gallant  style.  The  conflict  was  sharp,  and  availing 
himself  of  his  first  impression,  he  hastily  withdrew,  leaving  the 
general  as  much  astonished  as  he  found  him.  He  retreated  in 
good  order,  without  pursuit,  as  Cornwallis  probably  concluded 
that  it  was  an  ambuscade.  His  lordship  retired  in  the  night, 
and  marched  to  Portsmouth* 


CHAPTER  XI. 

Treason  of  Arnold — Major  Andre  taken. 

Immediately  after  the  fall  of  Charleston,  in  May,  sir  Henrj 
Clinton  returned  to  New  York,  to  commence  the  operations  of 
the  season. 


THE  UNITED   STATES. 

About  the  middle  of  September,  1780,  general  Washington 
retired  from  head  quarters,  (near  New  York)  with  his  suite, 
general  Knox  and  the  marquis  La  Fayette,  to  meet  admiral 
Ternay  and  count  Rochambeau,  at  Hartford,  (Connecticut) 
agreeable  to  appointment ;  and  about  the  21st,  the  parties  met 
accordingly.  The  avowed  object  of  their  conference  was  to 
concert  measures,  for  the  reduction  of  New  York. 

In  the  midst  of  this  conference,  an  express  arrived  from  West 
Point,  on  the  Hudson,  announcing  the  'raitorous  designs  of  gen 
eral  Arnold.  The  council  was  immediately  closed  ;  the  par 
ties  retired,  and  general  Washington  went  to  the  relief  of 
West  Point.  On  his  arrival,  he  found  the  fortress  dismantled, 
the  cannon  dismounted,  and  that  Arnold  had  fled  and  taken  ref 
uge  on  Board  the  British  sloop  of  war,  Vulture,  then  lying  in 
the  river. 

Whilst  his  excellency  was  employed  in  repairing  the  fortress, 
a  prisoner  was  announced,  who  proved  to  be  the  unfortunate 
major  Andre,  who  had  volunteered  his  services  to  sir  Henry 
Clinton,  to  negotiate  the  treacherous  design.  His  character 
was  that  of  a  spy  ;  his  fate  was  death  !  Let  us  pa«s  tn  -  this 
distressing  scene.  The  righteous  sacrifice,  greatly  interested 
the  feelings,  and  touched  the  sympathy  of  every  American 
breast 

The  feelings  of  general  Washington  upon  this  eventful  occa 
sion,  may  be  seen  in  the  following  extract  from  his  private  cor 
respondence,  of  October  13th  : 

"  In  no  instance  since  the  commencement  of  the  war,  has 
the  interposition  of  divine  providence,  appeared  more  remarka 
bly  conspicuous,  than  in  the  rescue  of  the  fort  and  garrison  at- 
\Vest  Point.  Andre  h.a.s  met  his  fafe,  and  with  that  fortitude 
that  was  to  have  been  expf?cted  from  an  accomplished  man,  an  i 
a  gallant  officer  ;  but  I  am  mislnken  if  Arnold  is  not  undergoing 
at  this  time,  the  torments  of  a  mental  Hell." 

In  the  month  of  October,  1780,  Sir  Henry  Clinton  detached 
general  Arnold  on  a  marauding-  expedition,  into  Virginia,  w'uh 
about  1600  men  and  a  number  of  armed  vessels  ;  lie  laid  waste 
the  country  upon  James  river,  in  several  predatory  excursions, 
until  his  progress  was  arrested  by  the  appearance  of  the  French 
squadron  from  Newport.  This  fleet  put  an  end  to  the  ravages 
of  Arnold,  by  capturing  and  destroying  a  very  considerable  part 
of  his  fleet  ;  and  would  have  caused  the  destruction  of -the 
traitor,  had  not  a  British  fleet  appeared  from  New  York,  for 
the  relief  of  Arnold,  and  by  a  naval  engagement  oft*  th-2  capes 
of  Virginia,  with  the  French  fleet,  afforded  him  an  opportunity 
to  escape  to  New  York.  Tne  French  returned  to  Newport. 

On  the  18th  of  December,  the  chevalier  Charles  Louis  de 
Ternay,  Knight  of  St.  John  of  Jerusalem,  late  governor  of  the 


216  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

Isles  of  France  and  Bourbon,  and  commander  of  the  French 
squadron  in  the  American  seas,  died  in  Newport,  and  was  in 
terred  in  Trinity  church  yard  the  next  day,  with  military  hon 
ours. 

The  frequent  changes  in  the  army,  owing  to  short  enlist 
ments  ;  the  want  of  pay,  clothing,  provisions,  &c.  had  repeat 
edly  distressed  the  army,  and  were  at  last  accompanied  with 
the  revolt  of  the  Pennsylvania  line,  excepting  three  regiments. 
In  defiance  of  all  the  efforts  of  General  Wayne  and  all  the  oth 
er  officers,  they  seized  on  six  field  pieces,  "and  took  up  their 
march  for  Princeton,  January,  1781. 

Sir  Henry  Clinton,  upon  the  first  intelligence,  made  some  im 
portant  movements  from  Staten  Island,  and  sent  spies  at  the 
same  time,  to  countenance  and  encourage  the  revolters.  A 
committee  from  congress,  visited  the  mutineers  at  Princeton, 
with  liberal  assurances,  to  persuade  them  to  return  to  their  du 
ty  ;  but  general  Washington  sent  a  strong  force  and  compel 
led  them  to  return.  A  general  arrangement  was  soon  made  (o 
supply  the  armies,  both  with  foreign  and  domestic  aid  and  re 
sources. 

On  the  14th  of  May,  information  was  given  to  Washington, 
that  colonel  Greene,  with  his  whole  detachment,  had  been  cut 
off  by  Delancy's  troops,  near  Croton  river,  about  forty  miles 
north  of  New  York.  Colonel  Greene  had  been  wounded  and 
captured,  and  was  afterwards  murdered,  and  major  Flagg  was 
killed  in  his  quarters. 

About  this  period,  general  Washington  wrote  to  the  gover 
nors  of  the  northern  states  : 

"  On  the  calculations  I  have  been  able  to  form,  io  concert 
with  the  most  experienced  French  and  American  officers,  the 
operations  in  view,  will  require,  in  addition  to  the  French  ar 
my,  all  the  continental  battalions  from  New  Hampshire  to  N. 
Jersey,  to  be  completed."  He  afterwards  added,  "  As  we 
cannot  count  upon  their  being  full,  and  as  a  body  of  militia  will 
also  be  necessary,  I  have  called  upon  several  slates  to  hold 
certain  numbers  in  readiness,  to  move  within  one  week  of  the 
time  I  may  require  them." 

These  despatches  were  intercepted,  and  gave  considerable 
alarm  to  sir  Henry,  who  renewed  his  exertions  for  the  defence 
of  the  city. 

On  the 14th  of  June,  a  junction  was  effected  before  New 
York,  between  general  Washington,  and  a  body  of  fifteen  hun 
dred  French  troops  lately  arrived  hi  Boston. 

On  the  21st,  genera!  'Washington  wrote  to  the  French  Ad 
miral  at  Newport,  as  follows  :  "  I  hope  there  will  he  no  occa 
sion  fora  movement,  to  the  southward,  for  the  want  of  force  to 
act  against  New  York,  as  I  flattered  myself  that  the  glory  of 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  217 

destroying  the  British  squadron  at  New  York,  is  reserved  for 
the  king's  fleet  under  your  command,  and  that  of  the  land  for 
ces,  at  the  same  place,  for  the  allied  ar.nies." 

On  the  evening  of  the  18th,  precisely  at  eight  o'clock,  the 
allied  armies  commenced  a  grand  movement,  and  marched  from 
their  encampments,  down  to  New  York,  and  at  four  the  next 
morning1,  they  were  drawn  up  in  order  of  battle,  while  general 
Washington  and  count  Rochatnbeau,\vith  all  the  general  officers 
and  engineers,  reconnitred  the  enemy's  works  throughout 
their  whole  line.  The  next  day  they  renewed  their  reconnoi 
tring,  and  in  the  afternoon,  drew  off  their  troops  and  returned 
to  their  encampments. 

These  movements,  together  with  the  removal  of  the  heavy 
cannon  and  mortars,  left  at  Boston  in  1776,  across  the  country 
to  North  river,  and  down  to  the  army  before  New  York  ;  as 
well  ns  the  intercepted  correspondence,  confirmed  sir  Henry 
Clinton  in  his  fears,  and  led  him  to  withdraw  a  very  considera 
ble  force  from  lord  Cornwallis,  for  the  defence  of  New.  York. 

At  this  eventful  moment,  count  de  Grasse  announced  his  ar 
rival  in  the  Chesapeake  bav,  with  a  fleet  of  twenty  four  ships  of 
the  line,  frigates,  &c.  The  allied  commanders  forwarded  as 
surances  that  they  would  put  their  troops  in  immediate  motion, 
to  co-operate  with  him. 

Count  de  Grasse  landed  3,300  troops,  under  the  command  of 
the  Marquis  de  St.  Simon,  to  reinforce  the  Marquis  La  Fay- 
ette. 

Monsieur  de  Barras,  at  the  same  time,  sailed  from  Newport 
with  the  French  squadron,  to  join  count  de  Grasse. 

General  Washington  committed  the  command  of  the  forces 
before  New  York,  to  general  Heath,  and  put  himself  at  the 
head  of  the  allied  armies,  and  by  a  rapid  movement,  marched  to 
Philadelphia  ;  and  thence  to  the  head  of  the  river  Elk.  ' 

Sir  Henry  Clinton,  in  the  mean  time,  despatched  admiral 
Graves  in  quest  of  count  de  Grasse.  On  the  5th  of  September- 
he  discovered  the  French  fleet  in  Lynnhaven  bay.  At  sight  of 
the  English  fleet,  count  de  Grasse  slipped  his  cables  and  put  to 
sea,  and  at  4  o'clock  un  action  commenced.  The  French  were 
victorious,  and  regained  the  bay  ;  but  the  English  retired  to 
New  York,  to  repair. 

At  this  eventful  moment,  de  Barras  entered  the  Bay  and 
joined  de  Grasse,  who  sent  up  their  transports  to  convey  the 
allied  armies  down  the  bay.  The  allied  commanders,  at  the 
same  time,  held  an  interview  with  the  count  de  Grasse,  on 
board  the  Ville  de  Paris,  to  settle  the  plan  of  operations. 

The  allied  armies,  amounting  to  twelve  thousand  men,  form 
ed  a  junction  with  the  marquis,  while  lord  Cornwallis  fortified 
himself  at  Yorktown,   in  Virginia.     The  militia  of    Virginia 
19 


213  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

took  the  field  under  governor  Nelson,  and  the  movement  seemed 
to  portend  some  important  results. 

On  the  27th  of  September,  general  Washington  issued  the 
following  orders.  "  If  the  enemy  should  be  tempted  to  meet 
the  army  on  its  march,  the  general  particularly  enjoins  it  upon 
the  troops  to  place  their  principal  reliance  upon  the  bayonet, 
that  they  may  prove  the  vanity  of  that  boast  which  the  British 
make  of  their  peculiar  prowess,  in  deciding  battles  with  that 
weapon." 

.  The  next  morning,  the  whole  army  encamped  about  a  mile  from 
York  Town,  and  lay  on  their  arms  through  the  next  night.  At 
the  earnest  solicitations  of  the  commander  in  chief  and  the 
marquis,  count  De  Grasse  moved  with  his  fleet  up  to  the  mouth 
of  York  river,  and  closely  invested  Cornwallis. 

On  the  6th  of  October,  the  trenches  of  the  allies  were  opened 
upon  his  lordship,  at  the  distance  of  600  yards.  On  the  9th,  the 
American  line  began  to  play  upon  York  Town,  with  twenty 
four,  eighteen,  and  ten  inch  mortars,  which  continued  through 
the  night.  The  next  morning  the  French  opened  a  destructive 
fire  from  their  batteries,  without  intermission,  for  about  eight 
hours  ;  and  on  the  succeeding  night  a  terrible  fire  was  kept  up 
from  the  whole  line,  without  intermission,  until  morning.  The 
horrors  of  this  scene  were  greatly  heightened  by  the  conflagra 
tion  of  two  British  ships,  set  on  fire  by  the  shells  of  the  allies, 
and  consumed  in  the  night.  The  next  morning1,  October  11th, 
the  allies  opened  their  second  parallel,  at  the  distance  of  two 
hundred  yards,  and  another  British  ship  was  consumed  by  their 
shells. 

On  the  14th,  general  Washington  ordered  two  battalions  to 
advance  to  the  second  parallel  and  begin  a  large  battery  in  the 
centre,  and  in  advance.  The  enemy  met  this  movement  with 
an  incessant  fire  from  two  redoubts,  in  advance  of  their  works, 
as  well  as  from  their  whole  line,  that  continued  through  the 
night. 

General  Washington  detached  the  marquis  La  Fayette  in 
the  morning,  at  the  head  of  the  American  light  infantry,  sup 
ported  by  the  baron  Viominel,  from  the  line  of  the  French,  to 
advance  and  storm  these  redoubfs,  which  had  so  annoyed  them 
through  the  night.  Lieutenant  colonel  Hamilton  commanded 
the  von  of  the  corps  of  the  marquis  La  Fayette.  The  re 
doubt  was  promptly  carried  by  La  Fayette  at  the  point  of  the 
bayonet  ;  but  the  captives  were  spared.  The  marquis  sent  his 
aid",  mnjor  Harbour,  through  the  whole  line  of  the  enemy's  fire, 
to  notify  the  baron  Viominel  of  his  success,  and  inquire  where 
he  was  ;  to  which  the  baron  replied,  "  I  arn  not  in  my  redoubt, 
but -shall  be  in  five  minutes  ;"  in  five  minutes  his  redoubt  was 
oarried. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  219 

General  Washington  was  highly  gratified  with  the  success  of 
this  exploit,  and  commended  the  officers  and  soldiers  engaged 
in  it,  in  the  highest  terms,  in  the  following  general  orders  : 

"  The  marquis  La  Fayette's  division  will  mount  the  trenches 
to-morrow.  The  commander  in  chief  congratulates  the  allied 
army  on  the  success  of  the  enterprise,  last  evening,  against  the 
two  important  redoubts  on  the  left  of  the  enemy's  works.  He 
requests  the  baron  Viominel,  who  commanded  the  French 
grenadiers,  and  the  marquis  LaFayette,  who  commanded  the 
American  light  infantry,  to  accept  his  warmest  acknowledge 
ments  for  the  excellence  of  their  dispositions,  and  for  their  own 
gallant  conduct  on  the  occasion.  And  ho  begs  them  to  present 
his  thanks  to  every  individual  officer,  and  to  the  men  of  their 
respective  commands,  for  the  spirit  and  rapidity  with  which 
they  advanced  to  the  points  of  attack  assigned  them,  and  for  the 
admirable  firmness  with  which  they  supported  them,  under  the 
fire  of  the  enemy,  without  returning  a  siiot.  The  general  re 
flects,  with  the  highest  pleasure,  on  the  confidence  which  the 
troops  of  the  two  nations  must  hereafter  have  in  each  other: 
assured  of  mutual  support,  he  is  convinced  there  is  no  danger 
which  they  will  not  cheerfully  encounter  ;  no  difficulty  which 
they  will  not  bravely  overcome." 

On  the  morning1  of  the  16th,  his  lordship  detached  lieutenant 
colonel  Abercrombie  at  the  head  of  four  hundred  men,  upon  a 
sortie,  to  destroy  two  batteries,  the  allies  had  erected  in  the 
night ;  the  enterprise  succeeded,  and  he  spiked  the  cannon. 
The  French  suffered  severely  in  the  defence  of  these  works  ; 
but  the  British  gained  no  permanent  advantage.  On  the  af 
ternoon  of  the  same  day,  the  allies  opened  their  batteries,  cov 
ered  with  about  one  hundred  pieces  of  heavy  cannon,  and  such 
was  their  destructive  fire,  that  the  British  lines  were  soonde- 
molished,  and  silenced.  Alarmed  for  his  safety,  his  lordship 
now  began  to  prepare  to  retire  ;  his  boats  were  collected,  and 
a  part  of  his  army  was  embarked  across  to  Gloucester  point  ; 
opposite  to  York  Town,  then  under  the  command  of  lieutenant 
colonel  Tarelton  ;  but  a  violent  storm  suddenly  arose  which  de 
feated  the  plan,  and  it  was  with  the  greatest  difficulty  that  his 
lordship  could  recover  his  boats,  and  restore  the  division. 

His  lordship  now  seeing  that  all  hope  of  succour  or  escape 
was  vain,  and  that  there  was  no  alternative,  to  avoid  the  tre 
mendous  fire  of  the  allies,  but  submission,  requested  a  parley  on 
the  Ittth,  for  twenty-four  hours  ;  and  that  commissioners  migiit 
be  appointed  to  arrange  articles  of  capitulation.  General 
Washington  consented,  and  commissioners  were  appointed  ac 
cordingly.*  On  the  19th,  the  articles  were  signed,  and  his 

*  The  commissioners  on  the  part  of  the  allies  were  the  Vicount  de 
Noailes,  and  lieutenant  colonel  Laurens,  whose  father  had  been  sect 


t 

220  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

lordship,  with  the  whole  British  army,  marched  out  prisoners 
of  war.  The  ships  were  the  conquest  of  France.  The  same 
terms  were  prescribed  by  the  commissioners  to  lord  Cornwal- 
lis,  that  had  been  prescribed  to  general  Lincoln  at  Charleston, 
just  eighteen  months  before;  he  was  refused  the  honors  of 
war,  and  general  Lincoln  was  deputed  to  receive  the  sword  of 
his  lordship.  Thus  the  mission  of  the  marquis  La  Fayette  to 
France,  in  the  \vinterofl779-80,  was  consummated  by  the  fall 
of  the  hrro  of  the  south,  at  York  Town. 

The  noble  generosity  of  the  French  officers  to  those  of  the 
British,  after  the  capitulation,  called  forth  the  following  ac 
knowledgment  of  his  lordship : 

;t  The  deliberate  sensibility  of  the  officers  of  his  most  chris- 
tiaii  majesty  towards  our  situation  ;  their  generous  and  pres 
sing  offers  of  money,  both  public  and  private,  to  any  amount, 
has  really  gone  beyond  what  I  can  possibly  describe." 

Lord  Cornwallis  pressed  hard  for  permission  to  embark  the 
British  and  German  troops  to  Europe,  under  suitable  engage 
ments,  not  to  serve  during  the  war  ;  also  that  the  torics  might 
be  protected  ;  but  both  were  refused.  His  lordship  was,  how 
ever,  indulged  with  the  permission,  that  the  Bonetta  sloop  of 
war,  might  pass  unsearched  ;  and  many  of  the  most  obnoxious 
lories  escaped  from  the  rage  of  their  injured  and  insulted  coun 
trymen. 

Seven  thousand  troops  under  the  command  of  earl  Cornwal 
lis,  with  1500  seamen,  were  the  subjects  of  this  convention  ; 
together  with  one  frigate  of  twenty-four  guns,  besides  trans 
ports,  (twenty  of  which  had  been  sunk  or  otherwise  destroyed-) 
seventy-five  brass,  and  sixty-nine  iron  ordnance,  howitzers  and 
mortars.  Also  a  military  chest  containing  /2113,6s.  sterling, 
which,  trifling  as  it  was,  could  not  fall  to  be  acceptable  to  the 
army. 

His  excellency,  general  Washington,  closed  this  glorious 
scene  at  Yorktown,  by  publishing  to  the  army,  both  officers 
and  soldiers,  in  general  orders,  the  grateful  effusions  of  his 
heart,  and  ordered  the  whole  to  be  assembled  in  divisions  and 
brigades,  to  attend  to  divine  service,  and  render  thanks  to  that 
God  who  had  given  them  the  victory. 

Congress  received  the  letter  of  general  Washington,  on  the 
24th,  announcing  the  capture  of  the  British  army,  with  the  most 
cordial  satisfaction,  and  immediately  resolved  to  move  in  pro 
cession  at  2  o'clock,  to  the  Lutheran  church,  and  return  thanks 
to  Almighty  God,  for  crowning  with  success,  the  allied  arms 

out  by  congress,  as  minister  to  the  court  of  Versailles,  and  who  was 
captured  on  his  passage,  by  the  British,  and  confined  iu  the  tower  oC 
London,  where  he  then  remained  in  close  confinement. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  221 

of  America  and  France.  Congress  next  resolved,  that  a  proc 
lamation  be  issued  for  the  religious  observance  of  the  I3th  of 
December,  then  next,  as  a  day  of  public  thanksgiving  and 
prayer,  throughout  the  United  States. 

Tiius  joy,  gratitude,  and  praise  to  God,  were  united,  and  be 
came  universal,  and  swelled  with  transports,  every  patriotic 
breast,  throughout  United  America. 

Congress  resolved,  on  the  29th,  "  That  thanks  be  presented 
to  general  Washington,  count  de  Rochambeau, count  de  Grasse, 
and  the  officers  of  the  different  corps,  and  the  men  under 
their  command,  for  their  services,  in  the  reduction  of  lord  Corn- 
wallis." 

They  next  resolved,  **  That  a  marble  column  be  erected  at 
York  Town,  adorned  with  emblems  commemorative  of  the  al 
liance  between  the  United  States  and  his  most  Christian  ma 
jesty  ;  anJ  inscribed  with  a  succinct  account  of  the  surrendry 
of  the  British  army." 

Congress  next  resolved,  "  That  two  stands  of  colors  be  pre 
sented  to  general  Washington,  and  two  pieces  of  ordnance  be 
by  him  presented  to  count  de  Rochambeau,  as  trophies  of  their 
illustrious  victory ;  and  that  the  chevalier  de  La  Luzerne,  be 
requested  to  inform  his  most  Christian  majesty,  that  it  was  the 
wish  of  congress,  that  count  da  Grasse  might  be  permitted 
to  accept  the  same  testimonials,  with  the  count  de  Rocham 
beau. 

General  Rochambeau,  with  his  army,  took  up  their  winter 
quarters  in  Virginia  ;  but  the  troops  under  the  command  of  the 
marquis  de  St.  Simon,  were  embarked  for  the  West  Indies, 
and  the  American  troops  returned  to  their  former  stations,  ex 
cepting  such  cavalry  and  infantry  as  were  necessary  to  t?he  ser 
vice  of  general  Greene  ;  these  were  sent  forward  in  Novem 
ber  under  the  cornaiand  of  general  St.  Clair,  to  co-operate  in 
the  southern  war. 

The  French  fleet,  under  the  count  de  Grasse,  sailed  at  the 
same  time,  for  the  West  Indies,  and  the  operations  of  the  sea 
son  were  generally  closed. 

His  excellency,  general  Washington,  retired  to  Philadelphia, 
to  give  repose  to  his  mind,  as  well  as  to  confer  with  congress 
upon  the  future  exigences  ofthe  nation. 

One  universal  expression  of  grati'ude  and  app'ause,  burst 
forth  from  all  par's  of  the  country,  to  the  allied  heroes,  who 
fought  under  Washington,  and  triumphed  over  Britain.  Min 
isters  at  the  altar,  of  all  denominations,  caught  the  sacred  llarne, 
and  the  temples  of  Almighty  God,  resounded  with  gratitude 
a:i=l  praise  to  Uis  groat  na;ne,  throughout)  United  America. 

On  tli3  4th  of  November,  congress  bonore'd  the  chevalier  do 
La  Luzerne  with  iheir  attendance  at  the  Rjinan  catholic  chap- 
19* 


222  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

el,  where  the  following  address  was  delivered  by  monsieur   Je 
Baiwirfe,  chaplain  to  the  French  legation  : 

"  Gentlemen — A  numerous  people,  assembled  to  render 
thanks  to  Almighty  God  for  his  mercies,  is  one  of  the  most  af 
fecting  objects,  and  worthy  the  attention  of  the  Supreme  Be 
ing.  While  camps  resound  with  triumphal  actions,  whole  na 
tions  rejoice  in  victory  and  glory,  the  most  honorable  office  the 
minister  of  the  altar  can  fill,  is,  to  be  the  organ  by  which  pub 
lic  gratitude  is  conveyed  to  the  Omnipotent.  Those  miracles 
which  he  once  wrought  for  his  chosen  people,  are  renewed  in 
our  favor  ;  and  it  would  be  equally  ungrateful  and  impious,  not 
to  acknowledge,  that  the  event  which  lately  confounded  our  en 
emies,  and  frustrated  their  designs,  was  the  wonderful  work  of 
that  God,  who  guards  our  liberties.  And  who  but  He  could 
so  combine  the  events  that  led  to  such  success  ?  We  have  seen 
our  enemies  push  forward  amidst  perils  almost  innumerable, 
amidst  objects  almost  insurmountable,  to  the  spot  which  was 
designed  to  witness  their  disgrace  ;  yet  they  eagerly  sought 
it  as  the  theatre  of  their  triumph  !  jplind  as  they  were,  they 
bore  hunger,  thirst,  and  inclement  skies  ;  poured  out  their  blood 
in  battle  against  brave  republicans,  and  crossed  immense  re 
gions  to  confine  themselves  in  another  Jericho  ;  whose  walls 
were  fated  to  fall  down  before  another  Joshua.  It  is  He  whose 
voice  commands  the  winds,  the  seas,  and  the  seasons  ;  who  form 
ed  a  junction  on  the  same  day,  and  the  same  hour,  between 
a  formidable  fleet  from  the  south,  and  an  army  rushing  from  the 
north  like  an  impetuous  torrent.  Who  but  He,  in  whose 
hands  are  the  hearts  of  men,  could  have  inspired  the  allied 
troops  with  the  friendship,  the  confidence,  the  tenderness  of 
brothers  !  How  is  it  that  two  nations,  once  divided,  jealous, 
inimical,  and  nursed  in  reciprocal  prejudices,  are  now  become 
so  cordially  united  as  to  form  but  one  !  Worldlings  would  say 
it  is  the  wisdom,  the  virtue,  and  moderation  of  our  chiefs  ;  it  is 
a  great  national  interest  that  has  performed  this  prodigy. 
They  will  say,  that  to  the  skill  of  the  generals,  to  the  courage 
of  the  troops,  to  the  activity  of  the  whole  army,  we  must  attri 
bute  this  splendid  success.  Ah  !  they  are  ignorant  that  the 
combining  of  so  many  fortunate  circumstances,  is  an  emana 
tion  from  the  All  perfect  Mind  ;  that  courage,  that  skill,  that 
activity,  bear  the  sacred  impressions  of  Him  who  is  divine 
For  how  many  favors  have  we  not  to  thank  Him  during  the 
present  year  ? 

»•  Your  unions  which  was  at  first  supported  by  justice  alone, 
lias  been  consolidated  by  your  courage,  and  the  knot  which 
ties  you  hns  become  indissoluble,  by  the  accession  of  all  the 
-tales,  and  the  unanimous  voice  of  all  the  confederates.  You 
present  to  the  universe  the  noble  sight  of  a  society,  which, 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  223 

founded  in  equality  and  justice,  secures  to  the  individuals  who 
compose  it,  the  utmost  happiness  that  can  be  derived  from  hu 
man  institutions.  This  advantage,  which  so  many  other  na 
tions  have  been  unable  to  procure,  even  after  ages  of  effort 
and  misery,  is  granted  by  Divine  Providence  to  the  United 
States  ;  and  His  adorable  decrees  have  marked  the  present 
moment  for  the  completion  of  that  memorable,  happy  revolu 
tion,  which  has  taken  place  in  this  extensive  continent. 
These  large  states  are  at  once  wrested  from  the  foe.  The  ra 
pacious  soldier  has  been  compelled  to  take  refuge  behind  his 
ramparts,  and  oppression  has  vanished  like  those  phantoms 
which  are  dispelled  by  the  morning  ray.  On  this  solemn  oc 
casion  we  might  renew  our  thanks  to  the  God  of  battles,  for 
the  success  he  has  granted  to  your  allies,  and  your  friends,  by 
land  and  sea,  through  the  other  parts  of  the  globe.  But 
let  us  not  recall  those  events  which  too  dearly  prore  how 
much  the  hearts  of  our  enemies  have  been  obdurated.  Let  us 
prostrate  ourselves  at  the  altar,  and  implore  the  God  of  mer 
cy  to  suspend  his  vengeance,  to  spare  them  in  his  wrath,  to 
inspire  them  with  sentiments  of  justice  and  moderation,  to 
terminate  their  obstinacy  and  error,  and  to  ordain  that  your 
victories  be  followed  wi;h  peace  and  tranquillity.  Let  us  en 
treat  Him  to  continue  to  shed  on  the  councils  of  the  king, 
your  ally,  that  spirit  of  wisdom,  of  justice,  and  of  courage, 
which  has  rendered  his  reign  so  glorious.  Let  us  beseech 
Him  to  maintain  in  each  of  the  states,  that  intelligence  by 
which  the  United  States  are  inspired.  Let  us  return  Him 
thanks,  that  a  faction,  whose  rebellion  he  has  corrected,  and 
now  deprived  of  support,  is  annihilated.  Let  us  offer  Him 
pure  hearts,  unsullied  by  private  hatred,  or  public  dissen 
sion  ;  and  let  us  with  one  voice,  pour  forth  to  the  Lord  that 
hymn  of  praise,  by  which  Christians  celebrate  their  gratitude, 
and  His  glory." 

This  signal  and  decisive  victory  over  Cornwallis,  blasted  the 
hope  of  the  British  government,  as  regarded  the  subjection  of 
the  revolted  colonies  to  their  former  allegiance.  During  near 
ly  three  months  after  the  12th  of  December,  1781,  motions 
were  frequently  made  in  Parliament  for  closing  hostile  opera 
tions  against  this  country.  On  the  4th  of  March,  1782,  the 
commons  resolved,  "  That  the  house  would  consider  as  enemies 
to  his  majesty  and  to  the  country,  all  those  who  should  advise, 
or  attempt  the  further  prosecution  of  offensive  war,  on  the 
continent  of  North  America."  As  one  earnest  of  the  sincerity 
of  this  resolution  the  command  of  the  British  forces  was  taken 
from  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  arid  given  to  sir  Guy  Carleton,  who 
was  directed  to  advance  the  wishes  of  the  British  government, 
for  an  accommodation  with  the  United  States. 


224  UNIVERSAL    HISTORY  OF 

Agreeable  to  his  instructions,  Sir  Guy  proposed  a  corres 
pondence  with  Congress,  and  solicited  of  the  commander  in 
chief,  a  passport  for  his  secretary.  This  was  however  refused, 
as  the  United  States  had  stipulated  not  to  negotiate  without 
the  consent  of  the  French  government. 

As  soon  as  information  of  the  capture  of  Cornvvallis  was  re 
ceived  at  the  French  court,  the  government  proposed  to  Con 
gress  the  immediate  appointment  of  commissioners  to  treat 
of  peace.  John  Adams,  Benjamin  Franklin,  John  Jay,  and 
Henry  Laurens,  were  accordingly  chosen.  These  were  "met  by 
Mr.  Fitzherbert  and  Mr.  Oswald,  at  Paris,  on  the  part  of  Great 
Britain.  Provisional  articles  were  signed  on  the  30th  of  No 
vember,  1782,  and  the  definitive  treaty  was  concluded  in  Sep 
tember  following. 

On  the  18th  of  April,  general  Washington  announced  the 
cessation  of  hostilities  between  the  two  countries,  in  the  fol 
lowing-  general  orders. 

"  The  Commander  in  Chief  orders  the  cessation  of  hostili 
ties,  between  the  United  States  of  America  and  the  King  of 
Great  Britain,  to  be  publicly  proclaimed  tomorrow  at  twelve 
o'clock,  at  the  New  Building;  arid  the  proclamation  which  will 
be  communicated  herewith,  be  read  tomorrow  evening,  at  the 
head  of  every  regiment  and  corps  of  the  army  ;  after  which, 
the  chaplains,  with  the  several  brigades,  will  render  thanks  to 
Almighty  God  for  all  his  mercies,  particularly  for  his  overru 
ling  the  wrath  of  man  to  his  own  glory,  and  causing  the  rage 
of  war  to  cease  airong  the  nations." 

"  The  Commander  in  Chief,  far  from  endeavoring  to  stifle 
the  feeling  of  joy  in  his  own  bosorn,  offers  his  most  cordial  con 
gratulations  on  the  occasion,  to  all  the  officers  of  every  denom 
ination — to  all  the  troops  of  the  United  States  in  general,  and 
in  particular  to  those  gallant  and  persevering  men  who  had  re 
solved  to  defend  the  rights  of  their  invaded  country  so  long  as 
the  war  should  continue  ;  for  these  are  the  men  who  ougiit  to 
be  considered  as  the  pride  and  boast  of  the  American  army, 
and  who,  crowned  with  well-earned  laurels,  may  soon  withdraw 
from  the  field  of  glory,  to  the  more  tranquil  walks  of  civil 
life. 

*c  While  the  general  recollects  the  almost  infinite  variety  of 
ecenes  through  which  we  have  passed  with  a  mixture  of  pleas- 
sure,  astonishment,  and  gratitude — while  he  contemplates  the 
prospects  before  us  with  rapture, — he  cannot,  help  wishing  that 
:ill  the  brave  men,  of  whatever  condition  tiiey  may  be,  vvbo 
have  shared  in  the  toils  and  dangers  of  effecting  this  glorious 
revolution,  of  rescuing  millions  from  the  hand  of  oppression, 
and  of  laying  the  foundation  of  a  great  empire,  might  be  im 
pressed  with  a  proper  idea  of  the  dignified  part  they  have  been 


THE  UNITED  STATES. 

called  to  act,  under  the  smiles  of  Providence,  on  the  stage  of 
human  affairs;  for  happy,  thrice  happy,  shall  they  be  pronoua- 
ced  hereafter,  who  have  contributed  any  thing,  who  have  per 
formed  the  meanest  office  in  erecting  this  stupendous  fabric  of 
Freedom  and  Empire,  on  the  broad  basis  of  independency  ; 
who  have  assisted  in  protecting  the  rights  of  human  nature, 
and  establishing  an  asylum  for  the  poor  and  oppressed  of  all  na 
tions  and  religions. 

"The  glorious  task  for  which  we  first  flew  to  arms,  being 
thus  accomplished,  the  liberties  of  our  country  being  fully  ac 
knowledged  and  firmly  secured,  by  the  smiles  of  Heaven  on 
the  purity  of  our  cause,  and  the  honest  exertions  of  a  feeble 
people,  determined  to  be  free,  against  a  powerful  nation  dis 
posed  to  oppress  them  ;  and  the  character  of  those  who  have 
persevered  through  every  extremity  of  hardship,  suffering,  and 
danger,  beinsr  immortalized  by  the  illustrious  appellation  of 
the  Patriot  Army, — nothing  now  remains  but  for  the  actors  of 
this  mighty  scene  to  preserve  a  perfect,  unvarying  consistency 
of  character  through  the  very  last  act ;  to  close  the  drama 
with . applause  ;  and  to  retire  from  the  military  theatre  with 
the  same  approbation  of  angel ~  and  men,  which  have  crowned 
all  their  former  virtuous  actions. 

"•  For  this  purpose,  no  disorder  or  licentiousness  must  be 
tolerated;  every  considerate  and  well  disposed  soldier  must 
remember  it  will  be  absolutely  necessary  to  wait  with  patience, 
till  peace  shall  be  declared,  or  Congress  shall  be  enabled  to 
take  proper  measures  for  the  security  of  the  public  stores,  «fec. 
So  soon  as  these  arrangements  shall  be  made,  the  general  is 
confident  there  will  be  no  delay  in  discharging,  with  every 
mark  of  distinction  and  honour,  all  the  men  enlisted  for  the 
war,  who  will  then  have  faitftfully  performed  their  engage 
ments  with  the  public.  The  general  has  already  interested 
himself  in  their  behalf;  and  he  thinks  he  need  not  repeat  the 
assurances  of  his  disposition  to  be  useful  to  them  on  the  pre 
sent,  and  erery  other  proper  occasion.  In  the  mean  time,  he 
is  determined  that  no  military  neglects  or  excesses  shall  go  un 
punished,  while  he  retains  the  command  of  the  army. 

"The  adjutant  general  will  have  such  working  parties  de 
tailed  to  assist  in  making  the  preparation  for  a  general  re 
joicing  as  the  chief  engineer,  with  the  army,  shall  call  for ; 
and  the  quarter  master  general  will  also  furnish  such  materials 
as  he  may  want.  The  quarter  master  general  will,  without 
delay,  procure  such  a  number  of  discharges  to  be  printed  as 
will  be  sufficient  for  all  the  men  enlisted  for  the  war;  he  will 
please  to  apply  to  head  quarters  for  the  form. 

"  An  extra  ration  of  liquor  to  be  issued  to  every  man  tomor- 

• 


226  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

row>,  to  drink  perpetual  peace,   independence  and  happiness  to 
the  United  States  of  America" 

It  is  not  a  little  remarkable,  that  these  general  orders  of  the 
commander-in-chief  were  read  to  the  army,  just  eight  years 
from  the  battle  of  Lexington.  The  farewell  orders  of  the 
general  were  issued  to  the  army  on  the  2d  of  November,  from 
which  the  following  is  a  selection. 

"  A  contemplation  of  the  complete  attainment,  at  a  period 
earlier  than  could  have  been  expected,  of  the  object  for  which 
we  contended,  against  so  formidable  a  power,  cannot  but  in 
spire  us  with  astonishment  and  gratitude.  The  disadvantage 
ous  circumstances  on  our  part,  under  which  the  war  was 
undertaken,  can  never  be  forgotten.  The  signal  interpositions 
of  Providence,  in  our  feeble  condition,  were  such  as  could 
scarcely  escape  the  attention  of  the  most  unobserving;  while 
the  unparalleled  perseverance  of  the  armies  of  the  United 
States,  through  almost  every  possible  suffering  and  discourage 
ment,  for  the  space  of  eight  long  years,  was  little  short  of  a 
standing  miracle/'  His  closing  words  are,  "  and  being  now  to 
conclude  these  his  last  public  orders,  to  take  his  ultimate  leave 
in  a  short  time,  of  the  military  character,  and  to  bid  adieu  to 
the  armies  he  has  so  long  had  the  honour  to  command,  he  can 
only  again  offer  in  their  behalf  his  recommendations  to  their 
grateful  country,  and  his  prayers  to  the  God  of  armies.  May 
ample  justice  be.done  them  here,  and  may  the  choicest  of  Hea 
ven's  favours  both  here  and  hereafter  attend  those,  who,  under 
the  divine  auspices  have  secured  innumerable  blessings  for 
others !  With  these  wishes,  and  this  benediction,  the  Com 
mander-in-chief  is  about  to  retire  from  service.  The  curtaia 
of  separation  will  soon  be  drawn,  and  the  military  scene  to  him 
will  be  forever  closed." 

The  army  was  now  disbanded  by  the  proclamation  of  con 
gress,  of  which  Dr.  Thacher  gives  the  following  sketch,  with 
the  parting  scene  between  General  Washington  and  his 
officers. 

Painful  indeed  was  the  parting  scene,  no  description  can  be 
adequate  to  the  tragic  exhibition.  Both  officers  and  soldiers, 
long  unaccustomed  to  the  affairs  of  private  life,  turned  loose 
on  the  world  to  starve  and  to  become  a  prey  to  vulture  specula 
tors.  Never  can  that  melancholy  day  be  forgotten  when 
friends,  companions  for  seven  long  years  in  joy,  and  in  sorrow, 
were  torn  asunder,  without  the  hope  of  ever  meeting  again, 
and  with  prospects  of  a  miserable  subsistence  in  future. 
Among  other  incidents  peculiarly  affecting  on  this  occasion, 
were  the  lamentations  of  women  and  children,  earnestly  en 
treating  that  those  with  whom  they  had  been  connected  in  the 
character  of  husband  and  father,  would  not  withdraw  from 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  227 

them  the  hand  of  kindness  and  protection,  and  leave  them  in 
despair;  but  in  several  instances  the  reply  was,  no,  "  we  took 
you  as  companions  during  the  tear,  and  now  we  are  destitute  of 
the  means  of  support,  and  you  must  provide  for  yourselves. '' 

November  25th. — The  British  army  evacuated  New  York, 
and  the  American  troops  under  General  Knox,  took  possession 
of  the  city.  Soon  after.  General  Washington  and  Governor 
Clinton,  with  their  suite,  made  their  public  entry  into  the  city 
on  horseback,  followed  by  the  lieutenant  governor  and  the 
members  of  council,  for  the  temporary  government  of  the 
southern  district,  four  abreast.  General  Knox  and  the  officers 
of  the  army,  eight  abreast ;  citizens  on  horseback,  eight 
abreast — 'the  speaker  of  the  assembly  and  citizens  on  foot,  eight 
abreast.  The  governor  gave  a  public  dinner,  at  which  the 
Commander-in-chief,  and  other  general  officers  were  present. 
The  arrangements  for  the  whole  business  were  so  well  made 
and  executed,  that  the  most  admirable  tranquillity  succeeded 
through  the  day  and  night.  On  Monday  the  governor  gave  an 
elegant  entertainment  to  the  French  ambassador,  the  Chevalier 
de  la  Luzerne  ;  General  Washington,  the  principal  officers  of 
New  York  state,  and  of  the  army,  and  upwards  of  a  hundred 
gentlemen  were  present.  Magnificent  fireworks,  infinitely  ex 
ceeding  every  thing  of  the  kind  before  seen  in  the  United 
States,  were  exhibited  at  the  Bowling  Green  in  Broadway,  on 
the  evening  of  Tuesday,  in  celebration  of  the  definitive  treaty 
of  peace.  They  commenced  by  a  dove  descending  with  ths 
olive  branch,  and  setting  fire  to  a.marron  battery.  On  Tuesday 
noon,  December  4th,  the  principal  officers  of  the  army  assem 
bled  at  Francis'  tavern,  to  take  a  final  leave  of  their  much  lov 
ed  Commander  in  Chief.  Soon  after  his  Excellency  entered 
the  room.  His  emotions  were  too  strong  to  be  concealed. 
Filling  a  glass,  he  turned  to  them  and  said,  "  With  a  heart  full 
of  love  and  gratitude,  I  now  take  leave  of  you.  I  most  de 
voutly  wish  that  your  latter  days  may  be  as  prosperous  and 
happy  as  your  former  ones  have  been  glorious  and  honorable.'1 
Having  drank,  he  added,  "  I  cannot  come  to  each  of  you  to 
lake  my  leave,  but  shall  be  obliged  to  you,  if  each  of  you  will 
come  and  take  me  by  the  hund."  General  Knox  being  nearest, 
turned  to  him.  Incapable  of  utterance,  Washington,  in  tears, 
grasped  his  hand,  embraced  and  kissed  him.  In  the  same  af 
fectionate  manner  he  took  leave  of  each  succeeding-  tfricer.  la 
every  eye  was  the  tear  of  dignified  sensibility;  and  not  n 
word  was  articulated  to  interrupt  the  eloquent  silence,  and 
tenderness  of  the  scene.  Leaving  the  room,  he  passed  through 
the  corps  of  light  infantry,  and  walked  to  White  Hall,  where 
a  barge  waited  to  convey  him  to  Paulus'  Hook.  The  whole 
company  followed  in  mute  and  solemn  procession,  with  deject- 


UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

ed  countenances,  testifying  feelings  of  delicious  melancholy, 
which  no  language  can  describe.  Having  entered  the  barge, 
he  turned  to  the  company,  and  waving  his  hat, 'bade  them  a 
silent  adieu.  They  paid  him  the  same  affectionate  compliment, 
and  after  the  barge  had  left  them,  returned  in  the  same  solemn 
manner  to  the  place  where  they  had  assembled.  The  passions 
of  human  nature  were  never  more  tenderly  agitated  than  in 
this  interesting  and  distressful  scene." 

Congress  was  now  in  session  at  Annapolis,  to  whom,  on  the 
23d  of  December,  the  commander  in  chief  resigned  h;s  com 
mission. — "  The  governor,  couRcil  and  legislature  of  Maryland, 
several  general  officers,  the  consul  general  of  France,  and  nu 
merous  citizens  of  Annapolis  were  present.  Congress  were 
seated  and  covered,  as  representatives  of  the  sovereignty  ot' 
the  union  ;  the  spectators  were  uncovered  and  standing.  The 
general  was  introduced,  to  a  chair  by  the  secretary,  who,  after 
a  decent  interval  ordered  silence.  A  short  pause  eneued,  when 
the  honorable  Thomas  Mifflin,  the  president,  informed  the  ge 
neral  that  "the  United  States  in  Congress  assembled  were 
prepared  to  receive  his  communications."  On  which  he  rose 
with  dignity  and  delivered  this  address. 

41  Mr.  President, — The  great  events  on  \vhich  my  resignation 
depended,  having  at  length  taken  place,  I  now  have  the  honour 
of  offering  my  sincere  congratulations  to  Congress,  and  of  pre 
senting  myself  before  them,  to  surrender  into  their  hands,  the 
trust  committed  to  me,  and  to  claim  the  indulgence  of  retiring 
from  the  service  of  my  country. 

"  Happy  in  the  confirmation  of  our  independence  and  sove 
reignty,  and  pleased  with  the  opportunity  afforded  the  United 
States,  of  becoming  a  respectable  nation,  I  resign  with  satis 
faction  the  appointment  I  accepted  with  diffidence;  a  diffidence 
in  my  abilities,  to  accomplish  so  arduous  a  task,  vvnich,  how 
ever,  was  superseded,  by  a  confidence  in  the  rectitude  of  our 
cause,  the  support  of  the  supreme  power  of  the  union,  and 
the  patronage  of  Heaven. 

"•  The  successful  termination  of  the  war  has  verified  the 
most  sanguine  expectations, — my  gratitude  for  the  interposi 
tions  of  Providence,  and  the  assistance  I  have  received  from 
my  countrymen,  increase  with  every  review  of  the  momentous 
contest. 

"While  I  respect  my  obligations  to  the  army  in  general,  1 
should  do  injustice  to  my  own  feelings,  not  to  acknowledge  in 
this  place,  the  peculiar  services  and  distinguished  merits  of  the 
persons,  who  have  been  attached  to  my  person  during  the  war. 
It  was  impossible  the  choice  of  confidential  officers,  to  compose 
my  family,  should  have  been  more  fortunate.  Permit  me,  Sir, 
to  reccmn:end  in  particular,  those  who  have  continued  in  the 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  229 

lervice  to  the  present  moment,  as  worthy  of  the  favorable  no 
tice  and  patronage  of  Congress. 

"  I  consider  it  as  an  indispensable  duty  to  close  this  last 
solemn  act  of  my  official  life,  by  commending  the  interests  of 
our  dearest  country,  to  the  protection  of  Almighty  God,  and 
those  who  have  the  superintendence  of  them  to  his  holy  keep 
ing. 

"•  Having  now  finished  the  work  assigned  me,  I  retire  from 
the  great  theatre  of  action;  and,  bidding  an  affectionate  fare 
well  to  this  august  body,  under  whose  orders  I  have  long  acted, 
I  here  offer  my  commission,  and  take  my  leave  of  all  the  em 
ployments  of  public  life." 

This  address  being  ended,  General  Washington  advanced 
and  delivered  his  commission  into  the  hands  of  the  President 
of  Congress,  who  replied  as  follows. 

"The  United  States  in  Congress  assembled,  receive  with 
emotions  too  affecting  for  utterance,  the  solemn  resignation  of 
the  authorities  under  which  you  have  led  their  troops  with  suc 
cess,  through  a  perilous  and  doubtful  war. 

"  Called  on  by  your  country  to  defend  its  invaded  rights,  yon 
accepted  the  sacred  charge  before  it  had  formed  alliances,  and 
whilst  it  was  without  friend:?  or  a  government  to  support  you. 

"  You  have  conducted  the  great  military  contest  with  wisdom 
and  fortitude,  invariably  regarding  the  rights  of  the  civil  power, 
through  all  disasters  and  changes.  You  have  by  the  love  and 
confidence  of  your  fellow  citizens,  enabled  them  to  display 
their  martial  genius,  and  transmit  their  fame  to  posterity  ;  you 
have  persevered  till  these  United  States,  aided  by  a  magnani 
mous  king  and  nation,  have  been  enabled  under  a  just  Provi 
dence,  to  close  the  war  io  safety,  freedom,  and  independence  ; 
on  which  happy  event,  we  sincerely  join  you  in  congratula 
tions. 

"  Having  defended  the  standard  of  liberty  in  this  new  world  : 
having  taught  a  lesson  useful  to  those  who  inflict,  and  to  those 
who  feel  oppression,  you  retire  from  the  great  theatre  of  ac 
tion,  with  the  blessings  of  your  fellow  citizens  ;  but  the  glory 
ef  your  virtues  will  not  terminte  with  your  military  command", 
it  will  continue  to  animate  remotest  ages.  We  feel  with  you, 
our  obligations  to  the  army  in  general,  and  will  particularly 
charge  ourselves,  with  the  interest  of  those  confidential  officers', 
who  have  attended  your  person  to  this  affecting  moment. 

"We  join  you  in  commending  the  interests  of  our  dearest 
country  to  the  protection  of  Almighty  God,  beseeching  him  to 
dispose  the  hearts  and  minds  of  its  citizens  to  improve  the  op 
portunity  afforded  them  of  becoming  a  happy  and  respectable 
nation  ;  and  for  you  we  address  to  Him  our  earnest  prayers, 
that  a  life  so  beloved,  may  be  fostered  with  all  his  care:  that 
20 


230  UNIVERSAL    HISTORY    OF 

your  days  may  be  happy,  as  they  have  been  illustrious,  and  that 
he  will  finally  give  you  that  reward,  which  this  world  cannot 
give." 

Thus  did  the  United  States,  after  passing-  through  scenes  of 
blood  and  suffering,  at  (he  sacrifice  of  more  than  seventy  thou 
sand  lives,  and  much  treasure,  maintain  by  the  sword  the  de 
claration  of  her  sages  in  council,  who  dared  to  proclaim  her 
independence.  The  amount  of  national  debt  created  by  the 
struggle  was  less  than  forty-five  millions  of  dollars.  Great 
Britain  lost  two  large  armies,  besides  thousands  killed  and 
taken  in  different  engagements;  her  empire  was  dismembered, 
and  the  increase  of  her  debt  by  the  conflict,  was  more  than 
five  hundred  million  of  dollars. 

It  has  already  been  stated  in  the  history,  that  a  messenger 
arrived  while  general  Washington  was  in  consultation  with  the 
French  officers  at  Hartford,  and  that  the  council  was  dissolved, 
and  Washington  went  to  West  Point.  The  following  state 
ment  is  taken  from  the  Appendix  to  the  Military  Journal  of 
Dr.  Thacher,  and  may  be  correct. 

"Arnold  was  apprised  that  General  Washington,  being  on 
his  return  from  a  journey  to  Hartford,  intended  to  visit  him  that 
day,  and  he  was  momentarily  expected  ;  accordingly  his  Ex 
cellency  arrived  soon  after  Arnold  had  absconded,  and  not  find 
ing  him  at  bis  quarters  he  passed  over  the  river  to  West  Point, 
to  view  the  works,  and  with  the  expectation  of  finding  him  at 
his  post,  but  being  disappointed  he  returned  to  Arnold's  quar 
ters,  where  he  still  found  that  no  one  coultl  account  for  his 
absence.  But  in  a  few  hours  despatches  arrived  fVum  Colonel 
Jameson  announcing  the  capture  of  Major  Andre,  and  this 
was  accompanied  by  his  own  letter  of  confession.  The  mys 
terious  affair  was  now  developed.  Arnold"^  treason  and  elope 
ment  admitted  at  once  of  explanation.  An  officer  was  im 
mediately  sent  to  our  fort  at  Verplank's  Point  with  orders  to 
fire  at  Arnold's  barge,  but  it  was  too  late,  she  had  already 
reached  the  Vulture." 

Since  the  revolutionary  part  of  our  history  was  compiled, 
we  have  discovered  the  following,  of  which  we  before  had  no 
distinct  recollection.  It  is  copied  from  the  Military  Journal  of 
Dr.  Thacher,  and  deserves  a  place  in  every  history  of  the 
country.  It  is  certainly  astonishing,  that  while  nearly  every 
child  has  heard  of  the  sympathy  which  was  expressed  for 
major  Andre,  the  very  existence  of  Captain  Hale  has  nearly 
been  forgotten.  Is  it  indeed  a  fact,  that  "  republics  are  al 
ways  ungrateful  ?" 

ft  is  with  the  highest  degree  of  satisfaction,  that  I  am  ena 
bled  to  copy  the  following  interesting  narrative,  vouched  by 
Major  General  Hull,  of  Newton,  from  Hannah  Adams'  History 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  231 

of  New  England.  Let  the  reader  draw  the  striking  contrast 
between  the  conduct  of  the  royalists  and  the  Americans,  on 
an  occasion  where  the  duties  of  humanity  and  benevolence, 
were  equally  and  imperiously  demanded. 

"  The  retreat  of  General  Washington,  left  the  British  in 
complete  possession  of  Long  Island.  What  would  be  their 
future  operations,  remained  uncertain.  To  obtain  information 
of  their  situation,  their  strength  and  future  movements,  was  of 
high  importance.  For  this  purpose,  General  Washington  ap 
plied  to  Colonel  Knowlton,  who  commanded  a  regiment  of  light 
infantry,  which  formed  the  van  of  the  American  army,  and  de 
sired  him  to  adopt  some  mode  of  gaining  the  necessary  infor 
mation.  Colonel  Knowlton  communicated  this  request  to  Cap 
tain  Hale,  of  Connecticut,  who  was  then  a  captain  in  his  regi 
ment.  This  young  officer,  animated  by  a  sense  of  duty,  and 
considering  that  an  opportunity  presented  itself  by  which  he 
might  be  useful  to  his  country,  at  once  offered  himself  a  volun 
teer  for  this  hazardous  service.  He  passed  in  disguise  to  Long 
Island,  examined  every  part  of  the  British  army,  and  obtained 
the  best  possible  information  respecting  their  situation  and 
future  operations. 

"  In  his  attempt  to  return,  he  was  apprehended,  carried  be 
fore  Sir  William  Howe,  and  the  proof  of  his  object  was  so 
clear,  that  he  frankly  acknowledged  who  he  was,  and  what  were 
his  views. 

"  Sir  William  Ho.we  at  once  gave  an  order-to  the  provost 
marshal  to  execute  him  the  next  morning. 

"  The  order  was  accordingly  executed  in  a  most  unfeeUng 
manner,  and  by  as  great  a  savage  as  ever  disgraced  humanity. 
A  clergyman,  whose  attendance  he  desired,  was  refused  him; 
a  bible  for  a  moment's  devotion  was  not  procured,  though  he 
requested  it.  Letters,  which  on  the  morning  of  his  execution, 
he  wrote  to  his  mother,  and  other  friends,  were  destroyed;  and 
this  very  extraordinary  reason  given  by  the  provost  marshal, 
'  that  the  rebels  should  not  know  that  they  had  a  man  in  their 
army,  who  could  die  with  so  much  firmness.' 

"Unknown  to  all  around  him,  without  a  single  friend  to  offer 
him  the  least  consolation,  thus  fell  as  amiable  and  as  worthy  a 
young  man  as  America  could  boast,  with  this  as  his  dying 
observation,  '  that  he  only  lamented  he  had  but  one  life  to  lose 
for  his  country.'  How  superior  to  the  dying  words  of  Andre. 
Though  the  manner  of  his  execution  will  ever  be 'abhorred  by 
every  friend  to  humanity  and  religion,  yet  there  cannot  be  a 
question  but  that  the  sentence  was  conformable  to  the  rules  of 
war,  and  the  practice  of  nations  in  similar  cases. 

It  is,  however,  a  justice  due  to  the  character  of  Captain 
Hale,  to  observe,  that  his  motives  for  engaging  in  this  service 


232  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF  - 

were  entirely  different  from  those  which  generally  influence 
others  in  similar  circumstances.  *'  Neither  expectation  of  pro 
motion  nor  pecuniary  reward,  induced  him  to  this  attempt.  A 
sense  of  duty,  a  hope  that  he  might  in  this  way  be  useful  to  his 
country,  and  an  opinion  which  he  had  adopted,  that  every  kind 
of  service  necessary  to  the  public  good,  became  honourable  by 
being  necessary,  were  the  great  motives  which  induced  him  to 
engage  in  an  enterprize,  by  which  his  connexions  lost  a  most 
amiable  friend,  and  his  country  one  of  its  most  promising  sup 
porters. 

'*  The  fate  of  this  unfortunate  young  man  excites  the  most 
interesting  reflections. 

"  To  see  such  a  character,  in  the  flower  of  youth,  cheerfully 
treading  in  the  most  hazardous  paths,  influenced  by  the  purest 
intentions,  and  only  emulous  to  do  good  to  his  country,  without 
the  imputation  of  a  crime,  fall  a  victim  to  policy,  must  have 
been  wounding  to  the  feelings  even  of  his  enemies. 

"  Should  a  comparison  be  drawn  between  Major  Andre  and 
Captain  Hale,  injustice  would  be  done  to  the  latter,  should  he 
not  be  placed  on  an  equal  ground  with  the  former.  Whilst 
almost  every  historian  of  the  American  Revolution,  has  cele 
brated  the  virtues  and  lamented  the  fate  of  Andre,  Hale  has  re 
mained  unnoticed,  and  it  is  scarcely  Known  that  such  a  character 
ever  existed. 

"  To  the  memory  of  Andre,  his  country  has  erected  the  moet 
magnificent  monuments,  and  bestowed  on  his  family  the  highest 
honours  and  most  liberal  rewards.  To  the  memory  of  Hale 
not  a  stone  has  been  erected,  nor  an  inscription  to  preserve  hia 
ashes  from  insult."* 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Events  and  anecdotes  of  the  Revolution. 

Perhaps  no  event  which  affected  merely  the  life  of  an  indi 
vidual,  during  the  revolution,  more  generally  touched  the  sym 
pathies  of  Europeans  and  Americans,  than  that  of  which  cap 
tain  Asgill  was  the  hero. 

On  the  24th  of  March,  1782,  captain  Joshua  Huddy,  of  New 
Jersey,  was  taken  prisoner,  by  a  party  of  refugees.  On  the 
12th  of  April,  he  was  taken  to  the  Jersey  shore,  and  hung  on 

*  In  the  autumn  of  1821,  the  remains  of  Major  Andre  were  d.i*-, 
interred,  and  transported  to  England. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  233 

&  tree,  by  order  of  captain  LippincoU,  without  even  the  sem 
blance  of  a  trial.  By  a  label  affixed  to  his  breast,  the  refuges 
signified  that  it  was  an  act  of  retaliation,  on  account  of  the 
death  of  one  Phiiip  While,  whom  they  asserted  to  have  been 
murdered,  after  being;  taken  prisoner.  It  was  shown,  how 
ever,  that  the  death  of  White  happened  after  captain  Huddy 
was  prisoner  in  New- York,  and  that  he  was  killed,  on  the 
second  escape  from  his  captors,  and  being  ordered  to  surrender, 
which  he  refused.  A  memorial  was  presented  to  general 
AVashington,  stating  the  atrocity  of  the  murder  of  captain 
Huddy.  Washington  addressed  sir  Henry  Clinton  on  the  sub 
ject,  who  ordered  a  court  martial  on  Lippincott,  who  was  re 
turned  not  guilty.  General  Washington  demanded,  that  Lip 
pincott  should  be  given  up,  and  threatened  retaliation,  in  case 
he  should  not  be  delivered  up  to  the  Americans. 

The  commander  in  chief  represented  the  business  to  con 
gress,  and  his  conduct  was  unanimously  approved. 

Soon  after  the  murder  of  Huddy,  the  commanders  of  brigades 
and  regiments,  were  ordered  to  assemble  at  the  quarters  of 
general  Heath,  to  decide  on  the  following  questions:  1st.  shall 
resort  be  had  to  retaliation  for  the  murder  of  captain  Huddy? 
2d.  On  whom  shall  it  be  inflicted  :  3d.  How  shall  the  victim 
be  designated?  The  answer  was  to  be  given  in  writing,  seal 
ed,  and  without  conversation  on  the  subject.  The  first  was 
answered  affirmatively,  and  unanimously.  The  victim  was  to 
be  of  equal  rank,  and  the  name  selected  by  lot.  The  painful 
alternative  was  adopted,  and,  the  names  of  British  captains  in 
captivity  were  collected,  an  impartial  lot  taken,  which  fell  on 
captain  Asgill,  of  the  British  guards.  He  was  of  a  noble  fami 
ly  in  England,  only  son  of  his  parents,  and  but  nineteen  years 
old.  The  distress  of  Washington  was  poignant  and  visible, 
but  he  was  firm  and  inflexible.  Every  attention  was  paid  to 
his  feelings,  and  every  facility  granted  him  to  communicate 
with  sir  Guy  Carleton,  who  succeeded  sir  Henry  Clinton,  in 
the  command  at  New  York.  He  was  put  on  his  parole  at 
Morristown,  and  permitted  to  ride  within  a  few  miles  of  the 
British  lines. 

In  the  mean  time,  his  unfortunate  situation  became  a  very 
genera]  topic  of  discoure  and  interest  in  England.  The  king 
of  England  ordered  that  the  cjlprit,  Lippincott,  should  be 
given  up  to  the  Americans,  and  the  States  of  Holland  solicied 
for  the  liberation  of  the  amiable  young  Asgill. 

Sir  Henry  Clinton  and  his  successor,  both  lamented  the   fate 
of  Huddy  ;  but  as  the  act  was  committed  by  order  of  the  board 
of  associated  loyalists,  they  considered  Lippincott  as  acting  un 
der  superior  authority,  and  therefore  not  liable. 
20* 


534  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

On  the  7th  of  October,  the  commander  in  chief  expressed 
his  private  opinion  to  the  secretary  of  war,  that  captain  Asgill 
ihould  be  liberated. 

The  intelligence  of  the  fate  which  threatened  captain  Asgill 
had  reached  his  parents.  The  father  was  languishing  with  a 
mortal  sickness.  His  mother,  was  a  mother  still.  Already  had 
•he  procured  an  order  fretn  the  king,  which  should  release  her 
ion  ;  but  the  order  was  not  obeyed. — She  wrote  to  the  count 
de  Vergennes,  and  she  did  not  write  in  vain.  Here  follows 
the  letter,  which  those  who  have  hearts  of  marble  may  pas* 
over  in  silence — it  was  not  intended  for  them. 

Letter  from.  Lady  Asgill,  to  the  Comte  de  Vergennet. 

"  SIR, — If  the  politeness  of  the  French  court  will  permit  a 
•tranger  to  address  it,  it  cannot  be  doubted  but  that  she  who 
unites  in  herself  all  the  more  delicate  sensations  with  which  an 
kidivideal  can  be  penetrated,  will  be  received  favorably  by  a 
nobleman,  who  reflects  honor  not  only  on  his  nation,  but  on 
human  nature.  The  subject  on  which  I  implore  your  assistance, 
is  too  heart  rending  to  be  dwelt  on  ;  most  probably,  the  public 
report  of  it  has  already  reached  you ;  this  relieves  me  from  the 
burthen  of  so  mournful  a  duty.  My  son,  my  only  son,  dear  to 
me  as  he  is  brave,  amiable  as  he  is  beloved,  only  nineteen  years 
of  age,  a  prisoner  of  war,  in  consequence  of  the  capitulation  of 
Yorktown,  is  at  present  confined  in  America  as  an  object  of 
reprisal. — Shall  the  innocent,  share  the  fate  of  the  guilty  ? 
Figure  to  yourself,  Sir,  the  situation  of  a  family  in  these  cir 
cumstances.  Surrounded  as  I  am  with  objects  of  distress, 
bowed  down  by  fear  and  grief,  words  are  wanting  to  express 
what  I  feel,  and  to  paint  such  a  scene  of  misery  :  my  husband 
given  over  by  his  physicians  some  hours  before  the  arrival  of 
this  news,  not  in  a  condition  to  be  informed  of  it ;  my  daughter 
attacked  by  a  fever,  accompanied  witb  delirium  ;  speaking  of 
her  brother  in  tones  of  wildness,  and  without  an  interral  of 
reason,  unless  it  be  to  listen  to  some  circumstances  which  may 
console  her  heart.  Let  your  sensibility,  Sir,  paint  to  you  my 
profound,  my  inexpressible  misery,  and  plead  in  my  favour;  a 
word,  a  word  from  you,  like  a  voice  from  Heaven,  would  libc- 
.  rate  us  from  desolation,  from  the  last  degree  of  misfortune.  I 
know  how  far  General  Washington  reveres  your  character. 
Tell  him  only  that  you  wish  my  son  restored  to  liberty,  and  he 
will  restore  him  to  his  despond'ing  family ;  he  will  restore  him 
to  happiness.  The  virtue  and  courage  of  my  son  will  justify 
this  act  of  clemency.  His  honour,  Sir,  led  him  to  America; 
he  was  born  to  abundance,  to  independence,  and  to  the  hap 
piest  prospects.  Permit  me,  once  more  to  entreat  the  inter 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  535 

ference  of  your  high  influence  in  favour  of  innocence,  and  in 
the  cause  of  justice  and  humanity.  Despatch,  Sir,  a  letter 
from  France  to  General  Washington,  and  favour  me  with  a 
copy  of  it,  that  it  may  be  transmitted  from  hence.  I  feel  the 
whole  weight  of  the  liberty  taken  in  presenting  this  request ; 
but  I  feel  confident,  whether  granted  or  not,  that  you  will 
pity  the  distresses  by  which  it  was  suggested ;  your  humanity 
will  drop  a  tear  on  my  fault,  and  blot  it  out  forever. 

"  May  that  Heaven  which  I  implore,  grant  that  you  may 
never  need  the  consolation  which  you  have  it  in  your  power  to 
bestow  OQ  THERESA  ASGILL." 

This  letter  was  presented  to  the  king  and  queen  of  France — 
they  were  much  affected,  and  through  him  requested  the  liber 
ation  of  the  hitherto  unfortunate  captaiu  Asgill.  The  request 
was  accompanied  b\  the  letter  of  Mrs.  Asgill,  and  the  request 
was  granted.  Washington  communicated  the  letters  to  eon- 
jrress,  and  on  the  7th  of  November  it  was  resolved  that  captain 
Asgill  should  be  set  at  liberty.  The  resolution  was  transmit 
ted  to  the  unhappy  youth,  with  a  passport  for  New  York.  A 
letter  from  Washington  to  him  closes  as  follows  : 

"  I  cannot  take  leave  of  you,  Sir,  without  assuring  you,  that 
in  whatever  light  my  agency  in  this  unpleasant  affair  may  be 
viewed,  I  was  never  influenced  through  the  whole  of  it,  by 
sanguinary  motives,  but  by  what  I  conceived  to  be  a  sense  of 
my  duty,  which  loudly  called  on  me  to  take  measures,  however 
disagreeable,  to  prevent  a  repetition  of  those  enormities  which 
have  been  the  subject  of  discussion.  And  that  this  important 
rnd  is  likely  to  be  answered  without  the  effusion  of  the  blood 
of  an  innocent,  person  is  not  a  greater  relief  to  you  than  it  is, 
Sir,  to  your  most  obedient  humble  Servant, 

GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

What  were  the  feelings  of  one  whoso  life  had  so  long  been 
in  jeopardy — or  the  feelings  of  a  much  loved  and  worthy 
mother,  or  that  of  a  sister,  almost  frantic  at  the  news  of  his 
being  confined  by  way  of  reprisal,  is  left  for  those  to  express 
who  can  find  language.  The  letter  of  thanks  written  to  the 
count  de  Vergennes,  is  a  production  which  needs  no  comment. 
Like  the  former,  it  came  from  the  heart,  and  will  reach  the 
heart. 

Second  letter  of  Lady  Asgill  to  the  Comte  de  Vergtnnet. 

"  SIR, — Exhausted  by  long  suffering,  overpowered  by  an  ex- 
eess  of  unexpected  happiness,  confined  to  my  bed  by  weakness 
and  languor,  bent  to  the  earth  by  what  I  have  undergone,  my 


538  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

of  Massaehuselts,  he  had  liberty  to  write.  His  wife  and  ths 
young  lady,  her  companion,  paid  him  a  visit,  and  a  hint  was 
given  him  to  take  care  of  himself.  The  meaning  of  this  waa 
rot  understood,  until  major  Benjamin  Burton  was  made  his  fel 
low  prisoner.  By  him  he  learned,  that  orders  had  been  given 
by  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  to  convey  them  to  England  for  trial, 
They  then  determined  to  escape. 

On  account  of  the  oiders  from  head  quarters,  they  were  de 
nied  the  customary  civility  of  a  parole,  and  were  closely  and 
fathfully  guarded.  The  walls  of  the  fortiess  were  twenty  feet 
high,*surrounded  by  a  ditch,  at  the  bottom  of  which  was  a  che- 
vaux-Je-frieze.  The  guard  house  was  constantly  watched, 
and  the  prospect  of  escape  was  a  forlorn  hope.  They  deter 
mined  however  to  attempt- it,  and  they  finally  succeeded. 

Their  room  vvas  railed  by  boards.  Their  intention  was  to 
cut  off  one  of  these,  pass  through,  and  let  themselves  down  into 
an  entry  by  a  blanket.  But  a  gimblet  was  necessary,  and  one 
was  procured  for  a  dollar.  With  this  they  worked  cautiously 
and  silently,  and  in  three  weeks  their  labours  were  nearly 
completed. 

The  night  of  the  18th  of  June  vvas  dark  and  stormy,  and  they 
had  no  time  to  lose.  Having  extinguished  their  lights,  they 
began  to  cut  the  corners  of  the  board,  and  in  iess  than  an  hour 
the  intended  opening  was  completed.  The  noise  which  the 
operation  occasioned  was  drowned  by  the  rain  falling  on  the 
roof.  Major  Burton  first  ascended  to  the  ceiling,  and  pressed 
himself  through  the  opening.  General  Wadsworth  next,  hav 
ing  put  the  corner  of  his  blanket  through  the  hole  and  made  it 
fast  by  a  strong  wooden  skewer,  attempted  to  make  his  way 
through,  standing  on  a  chair  below,  but  it  vvas  with  extreme 
difficulty  that  he  at  length  effected  it,  and  reached  the  middle 
entry.  From  this  he  passed  through  the  door  which  he  found 
open,  and  made  his  way  to  the  wall  of  the  fort  and  had  to  en 
counter  the  greatest  difficulty  before  he  could  ascend  to  the 
lop.  He  had  now  to  creep  along  the  top  of  the  fort  between 
the  sentry  boxes  at  the  very  moment  when  the  relief  was  shift 
ing  sentinels,  but  the  falling  of  the  heavy  rain  kept  the  senti 
nels  within  their  boxes,  and  favoured  his  escape.  Having  now 
fastened  his  blanket  round  a  picket  at  the  top,  he  let  himself 
down  through  the  chevaux  de  frize  to  the  ground,  and  in  a  man 
ner  astonishing  to  himself  made  his  way  into  the  open  field. 
Here  he  was  obliged  to  grope  his  way  among  the  rocks,  stumps 
and  brush  in  the  darkness  of  night,  till  he  reached  the  cove, 
happily  the  tide  had  ebbed  and  enabled  him  to  cross  the  water 
about  "a  mile  in  breadth  and  not  more  than  three  feet  deep. 
About  two  o'clock  in  the  morning  General  Wadsworth  found 
himself  a  mile  anda  half  from  the  fort,  and  he  proceeded  through. 


THE  UNITED   STATES.  239 

a  thick  wood  and  brush  to  the  Penobscot  river,  and  after  pas 
sing  some  distance  along  the  shore,  being  seven  miles  from  the 
fort,  to  his  unspeakable  joy  he  saw  his  friend  Burton  advancing 
towards  him.  Major  Burton  had  been  obliged  to  encounter  in 
his  course  equal  difficulties  with  his  companion,  and  such  were 
the  incredible  perils,  dangers  and  obstructions,  which  they  sur 
mounted,  that  their  escape  may  be  considered  almost  miracu- 
lou's.  It  was  no\v  necessary  they  should  cross  the  Penob?cot 
river,  and  fortunately  they  discovered  a  canoe  with  oars  on 
the  shore  suited  to  their  purpose.  While  on  the  river  they 
discovered  a  barge  with  a  party  of  British  from  the  fort  in  pur 
suit  of  them,  but  by  taking  an  oblique  course,  and  plying  their 
oars  to  the  utmost,  they  happily  eluded  the  eyes  of  their  pursu 
ers  and  arrived  safe  on  the  western  shore.  After  having  wan 
dered  in  the  wilderness  for  several  days  and  nights,  exposed  to 
extreme  fatigue  and  cold,  and  with  no  other  food  than  a  little 
dry  bread  and  meat,  which  they  brought  in  their  pockets  from 
the  fori,  they  reached  the  .settlements  on  the  river  St.  George, 
and  no  further  difficulties  attended  their  return  to  their  respec 
tive  families. 

Adventurers  vf  Sergeant  JMajor  Champe. 

After  the  capture  and  conviction  of  major  Andre  as  a  spy, 
general  Washington  conceived  the  project  of  capturing  nreneral 
Amoki,  then  in  New  York,  and  releasing  Andre.  He  sent  for 
major  Lee  to  his  quarters,  to  consult  with  him  on  the  subject, 
and  procure  a  man  for  the  dangerous  enterpiise. 

"  I  have  sent  for  you,"  said  general  Washington,  "  in  the  ex 
pectation  that  you  have  some  one  in  your  corps,  who  is  willing 
undertake  a  delicate  and  hazardous  project.  Whoever 
comes  forward  will  confer  great  obligations  upon  me  personal 
ly,  and,  in  behalf  of  the  United  States,  I  will  reward  him  amply. 
No  time  is  to  be  lost  ;  he  must  proceed,  if  possible,  to  night- 
1  intend  to  seize  Arnold,  and  save  Andre." 

Major  Lee  named  a  sergeant  major  of  his  corps,  by  (he  name 
of  Champe — a  native  of  Virginia,  a  rnan  full  of  bone  and  mus 
cle — with  a  countenance  grave,  thoughtful,  and  taciturn — of 
tried  courage,  and  inflexible  perseverance. 

Champe  \va<?  sent  for  fey  major  Lee,  and  the  plan  proposed. 
This  was  for  him  to  desert — to  escape  to  New  York — to  ap 
pear  friendly  to  the  enemy — to  watch  Arnold,  and,  upon  some 
fit  opportunity,  with  the  assistance  of  some  one  whom  Champe 
could  trust,  to  seize  him,  and  conduct  him  to  a  place  oo  the 
river,  appointed,  where  boats  should  be  in  readiness  to  bear 
them  away. 


UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

of  Massachuselts,  he  had  liberty  to  write.  His  wife  and  th& 
young  lady,  her  companion,  paid  him  a  visit,  and  a  hint  was 
given  him  to  take  care  of  himself.  •  The  meaning  of  this  was 
not  understood,  until  major  Benjamin  Burton  was  made  his  fel 
low  prisoner.  By  him  he  learned,  that  orders  had  been  given 
by  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  to  convey  them  to  England  for  trial, 
They  then  determined  to  escape. 

On  account  of  the  oiders  from  head  quarters,  they  were  de 
nied  the  sustomary  civility  of  a  parole,  and  were  closely  and 
fathfully  guarded.  The  walls  of  the  fortiess  were  twenty  feet 
high,;snriounded  by  a  ditch,  at  the  bottom  of  which  was  a  che- 
vaux  c'e-frieze.  The  guard  house  was  constantly  watched, 
and  the  prospect  of  escape  was  a  forlorn  hope.  They  deter 
mined  however  to  attempt- it,  and  they  finally  succeeded. 

Their  room  was  railed  by  boards.  Their  intention  was  to 
cut  off  one  of  these,  pass  through,  and  let  themselves  down  into 
an  entry  by  a  blanket.  But  a  gimblet  was  necessary,  and  one 
was  procured  for  a  dollar.  With  this  they  worked  cautiously 
and  silently,  and  in  three  weeks  their  labours  were  nearly 
completed. 

The  night  of  the  18th  of  June  was  dark  and  stormy,  and  they 
had  no  time  to  lose.  Having  extinguished  their  lights,  they 
began  to  cut  the  corners  of  the  board,  and  in  iess  than  an  hour 
the  intended  opening  was  completed.  The  noise  which  the 
operation  occasioned  was  drowned  by  the  rain  falling  on  the 
roof.  Major  Burton  first  ascended  to  the  ceiling,  and  pressed 
himself  through  the  opening.  General  Wadsworth  next,  hav 
ing  put  the  corner  of  his  blanket  through  the  hole  and  made  it 
fast  by  a  strong-  wooden  skewer,  attempted  to  make  his  way 
through,  standing  on  a  chair  below,  but  it  was  with  extreme 
difficulty  that  he  at  length  effected  it,  and  reached  the  middle 
entry.  From  this  he  passed  through  the  door  which  he  found 
open,  and  made  his  way  to  the  wall  of  the  fort  and  had  to  en 
counter  the  greatest  difficulty  before  he  could  ascend  to  the 
top.  He  had  now  to  creep  along  the  top  of  the  fort  between 
the  sentry  boxes  at.  the  very  moment  when  the  relief  was  shift 
ing  sentinels,  but  the  falling  of  the  heavy  rain  kept  the  senti 
nels  within  their  boxes,  arid  favoured  his  escape.  Having  now 
fastened  his  blanket  round  a  picket  at  the  top,  he  let  himself 
down  through  the  chevaux  de  frize  to  the  ground,  and  in  a  man 
ner  astonishing  to  himself  made  his  way  into  the  open  field. 
Here  he  was  obliged  to  grope  his  way  among  the  rocks,  stumps 
and  brush  in  the  darkness  of  night,  till  he  reached  the  cove, 
happily  the  tide  had  ebbed  and  enabled  him  to  cross  the  water 
about  a  mile  in  breadth  and  not  more  than  three  feet  deep. 
About  two  o'clock  in  the  morning  General  Wadsworth  found 
himself  a  mile  and  a  half  from  the  fort,andhe  proceeded  through 


THE  UNITED   STATES.  239 

a  thick  wood  and  brush  to  the  Penobscot  river,  and  after  pas 
sing  some  distance  along1  the  shore,  being  seven  miles  from  the 
fort,  to  his  unspeakable  joy  lie  saw  his  friend  Burton  advancing 
towards  him.  Major  Burton  had  been  obliged  to  encounter  in 
his  course  equal  difficulties  with  his  companion,  and  such  were 
the  incredible  perils,  dangers  and  obstructions,  which  they  sur 
mounted,  that  their  escape  may  be  considered  almost  miracu- 
lou's.  It  was  now  necessary  they  should  cross  the  Penobscot 
river,  and  fortunately  they  discovered  a  canoe  with  oars  on 
the  shore  suited  to  their  purpose.  While  on  the  river  they 
discovered  a  barge  with  a  party  of  British  from  the  fort  in  pur 
suit  of  them,  but  by  taking  an  oblique  course,  and  plying  their 
oars  to  the  utmost,  they  happily  eluded  (he  eyes  of  their  pursu 
ers  and  arrived  safe  on  the  western  shore.  After  having  wan 
dered  in  the  wilderness  for  several  days  and  nights,  exposed  t.o 
extreme  fatigue  and  cold,  and  with  no  other  food  than  a  little 
dry  bread  and  meat,  which  they  brought  in  their  pockets  from 
the  forf,  they  reached  the  .settlements  on  the  river  St.  George, 
and  no  further  difficulties  attended  their  return  to  their  respec 
tive  families. 

Adventurers  of  Sergeant  Jfajor  Chctmpe. 

After  the  capture  and  conviction  of  major  Andre  as  a  spy, 
general  Washington  conceived  the  project  of  capturing  general 
Arnokl,  then  in  New  York,  and  releasing  Andre.  He  sent  for 
major  Lee  to  his  quarters,  to  consult  wilh  him  on  the  subject, 
and  procure  a  man  for  the  dangerous  enterprise. 

"  I  have  sent  for  you,"  said  general  Washington,  "  in  the  ex 
pectation  that  you  have  some  one  in  your  corps,  who  is  willing 
undertake"  a  delicate  and  hazardous  project.  Whoever 
comes  forward  will  confer  great  obligations  upon  me  personal 
ly,  and,  in  behalf  of  the  United  States,  I  will  reward  him  amply. 
No  time  is  to  be  lost  ;  he  must  proceed,  if  possible,  to  night. 
I  intend  to  seize  Arnold,  and  save  Andre." 

Major  Lee  named  a  sergeant  major  of  his  corps,  by  (he  name 
of  Champe — a  native  of  Virginia,  a  man  full  of  bone  and  mus 
cle — with  a  countenance  grave,  thoughtful,  and  taciturn — of 
tried  courage,  and  inflexible  perseverance. 

Champe  was  sent  tor  fey  mnjor  Lee,  and  the  plan  proposed. 
This  was  for  him  to  desert — to  escape  to  New  York — to  ap 
pear  friendly  to  the  enemy — to  watch  Arnold,  and,  upon  some 
fit  opportunity,  with  the  assistance  of  some  one  whom  Champe 
could  trust,  to  seize  him,  and  conduct  him  to  a  place  on  the 
river,  appointed,  where  boats  should  be  in  readiness  to  bear 
them  away. 


£40  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

Champe  listened  to  the  plan  attentively — but,  with  the  spirit 
of  a  man  of  honour  and  integrity,  replied — "  that  it  was  not 
danger  nor  difficulty,  that  deterred  him  from  immediately  ac 
cepting  the  proposal,  but  the  ignominy  of  desertion,  and  the  hy 
pocrisy  of  enlisting  with  the  enemy  !  " 

To  these  objections.  Lee  replied,  that  although  he  would  ap 
pear  to  desert,  yet  as  he  obeyed  the  call  of  his  commander  in 
chief,  his  departure  could  not  be  considered  as  criminal,  and 
that,  if  he  suffered  in  reputation,  for  a  time,  the  matter  would 
one  day  be  exp  lained  to  his  credit.  As  to  the  second  objection, 
it  was  urged,  that  to  bring  such  a  man  as  Arnold  to  justiue — 
loaded  with  guilt  as  he  was — and  to  save  Audre — so  young — so 
accomplished — so  beloved — to  achieve  so  much  good  in  the 
cause  of  his  country — was  more  than  sufficient  to  balance  a 
wrong,  existing  only  in  appearance. 

The  objections  of  Champe  were  at  length  surmounted,  and 
he  accepted  the  service.  It  was  now  eleven  o'clock  at  night. 
With  his  instructions  in  his  pocket,  the  sergeant  returned  to 
camp,  and,  taking  his  cloak,  valice,  and  orderly  book,  drew  his 
horse  from  the  picket,  and  mounted,  putting  himself  upon  for 
tune. 

Scarcely  had  half  an  hour  elapsed,  before  Capt.  Carnes,  the 
officer  of  the  day,  waited  upon  Lee,  who  was  vainly  attempting 
to  rest,  and  informed  him,  that  one  of  the  patrol  had  fallen 
in  with  a  dragoon,  who,  being  challenged,  put  spurs  to  his 
horse  and  escaped.  Lee,  hoping  to  conceal  the  flight  of  Champe, 
or  at  least  to  delay  pursuit,  complained  of  fatigue,  and  told 
the  captain  that  the  patrol  had  probably  mistaken  a  country 
man  for  a  dragoon.  Carnes,  however,  was  not  thus  to  be 
quieted  ;  and  he  withdrew  to  assemble  his  corps.  On  exam 
ination,  it  was  found  that  Champe  was  absent.  The  captain 
now  returned,  and  acquainted  Lee  with  the  discovery,  adding 
that  he  had  detached  a  party  to  pursue  the  deserter,  and  beg 
ged  the  major's  written  orders. 

After  making  as  much  delay  as  practicable,  without  exciting 
suspicion.  Lee  delivers  his  orders— in  which  he  directed  the 
party  to  ta  ke  Champe  if  possible.  "  Bring  him  alive,"  said  he, 
"  that  he  may  suffer  in  the  presence  of  the  army  ;  but  kill  him 
if  he  resists,  or  if  ne  escapes  after  being  taken." 

A  shower  of  rain  fell  soon  after  Champe's  departure,  which 
enabled  the  p'srsuing1  dragoons  to  take  the  trail  of  his  horse,  his 
shoes,  in  common  with  those  of  the  horses  of  the  army,  being 
made  in  a  peculiar  form,  and  each  having  a  private  mark,  which 
was  to  be  seen  in  the  path. 

Middleton,  the  lender  of  the  pursuing  party,  left  the  camp  a 
few  minutes  past  twelve,  so  that  Champe  had  the  start  of  but 
little  more  than  an  hour — a  period  by  for  shorter  than  had 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  241 

been  contemplated.  During  the  night,  the  dragoons  were  of- 
icu  delayed  in  the  necessary  halts  to  examine  the  road  ;  but,  on 
the  coining  of  morning,  the  impression  of  the  horse's  shoes  was 
so  apparent,  that  they  pressed  on  with  rapidity.  Some  miles 
above  Bergen,  a  village  three  miles  north  of  New  York,  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  Hudson,  on  ascending  a  hill,  Champe  was 
descried,  not  more  than  half  a  mile  distant.  Fortunately, 
Champe  descried  his  pursuers,  at  the  snme  moment,  and,  con 
jecturing  their  object,  put  spurs  to  his  horse,  with  the  hope  cf 
escape. 

By  taking  a  different  road,  Champe  was,  for  a  time,  lust 
sight  of — but,  on  approaching  the  river,  he  was  again  descried, 
A  ware  of  his  danger,  he  now  lathed  his  valice,  containing  his 
clothes  and  orderly  hook,  to  his  shoulders,  and  prepared  him 
self  to  plunge  into  the  river,  if  necessary.  Swift  was  his  flight, 
and  swift  the  pursuit.  MidJleion  and  his  party  were  within  a 
few  hundred  yards,  when  Champe  threw  himself  from  his  horse 
and  plunged  info  the  river,  calling  aloud  upon  some  British  gal 
leys,  at,  no  great  distance,  for  help.  A  boat  was  instantly  des 
patched  to  the  scigeant's  assistance,  and  a  fire  commenced 
upon  the  pursuers.  Champe  was  taken  on  board,  and  soon  af 
ter  carried  to  New  York,  with  a  letter  from  the  captain  of  the 
galley,  stating  the  past  scene,  all  of  which  he  had  witnessed. 

The  pursuers  having  recovered  the  sergeant's  horse  and 
cloak,  returned  to  camp,  where  they  arrived  about  three  o'clock 
the  next  day.  On  their  appearance  with  the  \vell  known  horse, 
the  soldiers  made  the  air  resound  with  the  acclamations  that 
the  scoundrel  was  killed.  The  agony  of  Lee,  for  a  moment, 
was  past  description,  lest  the  faithful,  honourable,  intrepid 
Champe  had  fallen.  But  the  truth  soot:  relieved  his  fears,  and 
he  repaired  to  Washington  to  impart  to  him  the  success,  t. 
far  of  his  plan. 

Soon  after  the  arrival  of  Champe  in  New  Y'ork,  he  was  sent 
to  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  who  treated  him  kindly,  but  detained 
him  more  than  an  hour  in  a^-king  him  questions,  to  answer 
some  of  which,  without  exciting  suspicion,  required  all  the  art 
the  sergeant  was  master  of.  He  succeeded,  however,  nnfi  Sir 
Henry  gave  him  a  couple  of  guineas,  and  recommended  him  to 
Arnold,  who  was  wishing  to  procure  American  recruits.  Ar 
nold  received  him  kindly,  and  proposed  to  him  to  join  his  le 
gion  ;  Charnpe,  however,  expressed  his  wu=h  to  retire  from 
war  ;  Int  assured  the  general,  that  if  he  thculd  change  his 
mind,  he  would  enlist. 

Champe  found  means  to  communicate  to  Lee  an  account  of 

his   adventures;   but,   unfortunately,  he    could  not  succeed   in 

taking  Arnold,  as  was  wished,  before  the  execution  of  Andre. 

Ten   days  before  Champe  brought  his  project  to  a  concilia.'  n, 

21 


242  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

Lee  received  from  him  his  final  communication,  appointing  the 
third  subsequent  night  for  a  party  of  dragoons  to  meet  him  at 
Hoboken,  opposite  New  York,  when  he  hoped  to  deliver  Ar 
nold  to  the  officers. 

Champe  had  enlisted  into  Arnold's  legion,  from  which  lime 
he  had  every  opportunity  he  could  wish,  to  attend  to  the  habits 
of  the  general.  Ho  discovered  that  it  was  his  custom  to  return 
home  about  twelve  every  night,  and  that,  previously  to  going 
to  bed,  he  always  visited  the  garden.  During  this  visit,  the 
conspirators  were  to  seize  him,  and,  being  prepared  with  a  gag, 
they  were  to  apply  the  same  instantly. 

Adjoining  the  house  in  which  Arnold  resided,  and  in  which 
it  was  designed  to  seize  and  gag  him,  Champe  had  taken  off 
several  of  the  palings  and  replaced  them,  so  that  with  ease, 
and  without  noise,  he  could  readily  open  his  way  to  the  adjoin 
ing  alley.  Into  this  alley  he  intended  to  convey  his  prisoner, 
aided  by  his  companion,  one  of  two  associates,  who  had  been 
introduced  by  (he  friend,  to  wh@m  Champe  had  been  originally 
made  known  by  letter  from  the  commander  in  chief,  and  with 
whose  aid  and  counsel,  he  had  so  far  conducted  the  enterprise. 
His  other  associate  was  with  the  boat,  prepared  at  one  of  the 
wharves  on  the  Hudson  river,  to  receive  the  party. 

Champe  and  his  friend  intended  to  place  themselves  each  un 
der  Arnold's  shoulder,  and  thus  to  bear  him  through  the  most 
unfrequented  alleys  and  streets  to  the  boat,  representing  Ar 
nold,  in  case  of  being  questioned,  as  a  drunken  soldier,  whom 
they  were  conveying  Jo  the  guard-house. 

When  arrived  at  the  boat,  the  difficulties  would  be  all  sur 
mounted,  there  being  no  danger  nor  obstacle  in  passing  to  the 
Jersey  shore.  These  particulars,  as  soon  as  made  known  to 
Lee,  were  communicated  to  the  commander  in  chief,  who  was 
highly  gratified  with  the  much  desired  intelligence.  He  de 
sired  Major  Lee  to  meet  Champe,  and  to  take  care  that  Ar 
nold  should  not  be  hurt. 

The  day  arrived,  and  Lee,  with  a  party  of  accoutred  horses, 
(one  for  Arnold,  one  for  the  sergeant,  and  the  third  for  his  as 
sociate,  who  was  to  assist  in  securing  Arnold,)  left  the  camp, 
never  doubting  the  success  of  the  enterprise,  from  the  tenor 
of  the'last  received  communication.  The  party  reached  Hobo- 
ken  about  midnight,  where  they  were  concealed  in  the  adjoin 
ing  wood — Lee,  with  three  dragoons,  stationing  himself  near 
the  shore  of  the  river. — Hour  after  hour  passed,  but  no  boat 
approached. 

At  length  the  dav  broke,  and  the  major  retired  to  his  party, 
and,  with  his  1-ed  horses,  returned  to  the  camp,  when  he  pro 
ceeded  to  head  quarters  to  inform  the  general  of  the  much  la 
mented  disappointment,  as  mortifying, asinexplicable.  Wash- 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  243 

ington,  having  perused  Champe's  plan  and  communication,  had 
indulged  »he  presumplion,  that,  at  length,  the  object  of  his  keen 
and  constant  pursuit  was  sure  of  execution,  and  did  not  dis 
semble  the  joy  which  such  a  conviction  produced.  He  was 
chagrined  at  the  issue,  and  apprehended  that  his  faithful  ser 
geant  must  have  been  detected  in  the  last  scene  of  his  tedious 
and  difficult  enterprise. 

In  a  few  days,  Lee  received  an  anonymous  letter  from 
Champe's  patron  and  friend,  informing  him,  that  on  the  day 
preceding  the  night  fixed  for  the  execution  of  the  plot,  Arnold 
had  removed  his  quarters  to  another  part  of  the  town,  to  super 
intend  the  embarkation  of  troops,  preparing  as  was  rumored, 
for  an  expedition  to  be  directed  by  himself;  and  that  the  Ame 
rican  legion,  consisting  chiefly  of  American  deserters,  had  been 
transferred  from  their  barracks  to  one  of  the  transports,  it  be 
ing  apprehended  that  if  left  on  shore,  until  the  expedition  wag 
ready,  many  of  them  might  desert. 

Thus  it  happened  that  John  Champe,  instead  of  crossing  the 
Hudson  that  night,  was  safely  deposited  on  board  one  of  the 
fleet  of  transports,  from  whence  he  never  departed,  until  the 
troops  under  Arnold  landed  in  Virginia.  Nor  was  he  able  to 
escape  from  the  British  army,  until  after  the  junction  of  Lord 
Cornwallis  at  Petersburg,  when  he  deserted  :  and  proceeding 
high  np  into  Virginia,  he  passed  into  North  Carolina,  near  the 
Saura  towns,  and,  keeping  in  the  friendly  districts  of  that  State, 
safelyjoined  tiie  army  soon  after  it  had  passed  the  Congaree,  in 
pursuit  of  LordRawdon. 

His  appearance  excited  extreme  surprise  among  his  former 
comrades,  which  was  not  a  little  increased,  when  they  saw  the 
cordial  reception  lie  met  with  from  the  late  major,  now  Lieu 
tenant  Col.  Lee.  His  whole  story  was  soon  known  to  the  corps, 
which  re-produced  the  love  and  respect  of  officers  and  soldiers, 
heretofore  invariably  entertained  for  the  sergeant,  heightened 
by  universal  admiration  of  his  late  daring  and  arduous  attempt. 

Champe  was  introduced  to  general  Greene,  who  very  cheer 
fully  complied  with  the  promise  made  by  the  commander  in 
chief,  so  far  as  in  his  power  ;  and  having-  provided  the  sergeant 
with  a  good  horse  and  money  for  his  journey,  sent  him  to 
general  Washington,  who  munificently  anticipated  every  de 
sire  of  the  sergeant,  and  presented  him  with  a  discharge  from 
further  service,  lest  he  might,  in  the  vicissitudes  of  war,  fall 
into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  when,  if  recognized,  he  was  sure 
to  die  on  a  gibbet. 

We  shall  only  add,  respecting  the  after  life  of  this  interest 
ing  adventurer,  that,  when  general  Washington  was  called  by 
President  Adams,  in  1793,  to  the  command  of  the  army,  pre 
pared  to  defend  the  country,  against  French  hostility,  he  sent 


244  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

to  Lieutenant  Col.  Lee,  to  inquire  for  Charnpe;  being  deter 
mined  to  bring  him  into  the  field  at  the  head  of  a  company  of 
infantry.  Lee  sent  to  London  county,  Virginia,  where  Champ* 
settled  afier  hte  discharge  from  the  army  ;  when  he  learned 
that  the  gallant  soldier  had  removed  to  Kentucky,  where  lie 
soon  after  died. 

Colonel  John  White's  adventure. 

While  the  siege  of  Savannah  was  pending,  one  of  the  most 
extraordinary  enterprises  ever  related  in  history,  one,  indeed, 
which  nothing,  but  the  respectability  of  the  testimony,  could 
have  prevented  our  considering  as'  marvellous,  occurred.  It 
was  an  enterprise  conceived  and  executed  by  colonel  John 
White  of  the  Georgia  line.  A  captain  French,  of  Delancey's 
first  battalion,  was  posted  with  one  hundred  men,  British  regu 
lars,  on  the  Ogeechee  river,  about  twenty-fire  miles  from  Sa 
vannah.  There  lay  also  at  the  same  place  five  armed  vessels, 
the  largest  mounting  fourteen  guns,  and  having  on  board  al 
together  forty -one  men.  Colonel  White,  with  captain  Etholm, 
three  soldiers,  and  his  own  servant,  approached  this  post,  on 
the  evening  of  the  30th  of  September,  kindled  a  number  of  fires, 
arranging  them  in  the  manner  of  a  large  camp,  and  summoned 
French  to  surrender,  he  and  his  comrades  in  the  mean  time 
riding  about  in  various  directions,  and  giving  orders  in  a  loud 
Toice,  as  if  performing1  the  duties  of  the  staff,  to  a  large  army. 
French,  not  doubting  the  reality  of  what  he  saw,  and  anxious 
to  spare  the  effusion  of  blood,  which  a  contest  with  a  force  so 
superior  would  produce,  surrendered  the  .whole  detachment,, 
together  with  the  crews  of  the  five  vessels,  amounting  in  all  to 
one  hundred  and  forty-one  men,  and  one  hundred  and  thirty 
stands  of  arms! 

Colonel  White  had  still,  however,  a  very  difficult  game  to 
play  ;  it  was  necessary  to  keep  up  the  delusion  of  captain 
French,  until  the  prisoners  should  be  secured  ;  and  with  this 
view,  he  pretended  that  the  animosity  of  his  troops  was  so  un 
governable,  that  a  little  stratagem  would  be  necessary  to  save 
the  prisoners  from  their  fury,  and  that  he  should  therefore  com 
mit  them  to  the  care  of  three  guides,  with  orders  to  conduct 
them  to  a  place  of  safety.  With  many  thanks  for  the  colonel's 
humanity,  French  accepted  the  proposition,  and  marched  off 
at  a  quick  pace,  under  the  direction  of  three  guides,  fearful,  at 
every  step, 'that  the  rage  of  White's  trooops  would  burst  upon- 
them  in  defiance  of  his  humane  attempts  to  restrain  them. 
White,  as  soon  as  they  were  out  of  sight,  employed  himself  in 
collecting  the  militia  of  the  neighbourhood,  with,  whom  he  over- 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  245 

took  his  prisoners,  and  they  were  conducted  in  safety  for  twenty 
five  miles,  to  an  American  fort. 

General  Putnam's  adventure. 

General  Putnam,  who  had  heen  stationed  with  a  respectable 
force  at  Reading,  in  Connecricut,  then  on  a  visit  to  his  out-post, 
at  Horse  Neck°  was  attacked  by  Governor  Tryon,  with  one 
thousand  five  hundred  men.  Putnam  had  only  a  picket  of  one 
hundred  and  fifty  men,  and  two  field  pieces,  without  horses  or 
drag  ropes.  He  however  placed  his  cannon  on  the  high  ground 
near  the  meeting  house,  and  continued  to  pour  in  upon  the  ad 
vancing  foe,  until  the  enemy's  horse  appeared  upon  a  charge. 
The  general  now  ha.siily  ordered  his  men  to  retreat  to  a  neigh- 
houring  swamp,  inaccessible  to  horse,  while  he  himself  put 
spurs  to  his  steed,  and  plunged  down  the  precipice  at  the 
church. 

This  is  so  steep,  as  to  have  artificial  stairs,  composed  of 
nearly  one  hundred  stone  steps,  for  the  accommodation  of  wor- 
ehippers  ascending-  to  the  sanctuary.  On  the  arrival  of  the 
dragoons  at  the  brow  of  the  hill,  they  paused,  thinking  it  too 
dangerous  to  follow  the  steps  of  the  adventurous  hero.  Before 
any  could  go  round  the  hill  and  descend,  Putnam  had  escaped, 
uninjured  by  the  many  balls  which  were  fired  at  him  in  his  de 
scent  ;  but  one  touched  him,  and  that  only  passed  through  his 
hat.  He  proceeded  to  Stamford,  wiiere,  having  strengthened  his 
picket  with  some  militia,  he  boldly  faced  about  aud  pursued 
governor  Tryon  on  his  return. 

Notwithstanding-  the  known  bravery,  good  conduct,  and  ex 
cellent  character  of  general  Putnam,  in  the  spring  of  1818, 
an  account  of  the  battle  of  Bunker's  Hill  was  published  in  the 
Port  Folio,  animadverting  on  his  conduct  in  the  affair,  with 
much  severity.  The  author  was  major  general  Henry  Dear 
born,  and  his  statements  were  viewed  with  amazement.  They 
were  answered  by  colonel  Daniel  Putnam,  the  son  of  the  gene 
ral,  and  triumphantly  refuted  by  a  mass  of  able  documents  and 
certificate?  from  distinguished  gentlemen  who  were  in  that  tre 
mendous  conflict.  Why  this  attack  was  made  on  the  posthu 
mous  fame  of  an  officer  of  such  celebrity,  does  not  appear. 
At  the  tima  the  impression  went  abroad,  that  general  Dearborn 
wished  to  raise  his  own  fame,  which  was  at  a  low  ebb.  on  the 
ruins  of  another.  But  they  are  both  at  rest  with  their  fathers. 
Peace  to  thei^  ashes. 

The  following-  Eulogiutn  was  pronounced  at   the   grave  cl 
General  Putnam  by  Dr.  A.  Waldo. 
21* 


346  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

•*  Those  venerable  relics  !  once  defoghted  in  the  endearing 
domestic  virtues  which  constitute  the  excellent  neighbor,— 
husband,— parent— and  worthy  brother!  liberal  and  substan 
tial  in  his  friendship  ; — unsuspicious — open, — and  generous  ; 
just  and  sincere  in  dealing  ;  a  benevolent  citizen  of  the  world — 
he  concentrated  in  his  bosom  the  noble  qualities  of  an  Honest 
Man. 

"  Born  a  Hero — whom  nature  taught  and  cherished  in  the 
lap  of  innumerable  toils  and  dangers,  he  was  terrible  in  battle  ! 
But,  from  the  amiablencss  of  his  heart — when  carnage  ceased, 
his  humanity  spread  over  the  fold,  like  the  refreshing  zephyrs 
of  a  summer's  evening  !  The  prisoner — the  wounded — the 
sick — the  forlorn — experienced  the  delicate  sympathy  of  this 
Sto/dier's  Pillar.  The  poor  and  the  needy  of  every  descrip 
tion,  received  the  charitable  bounties  of  tfiis  Christian  Soldier. 

Vk  He  pitied  liltlenesss — loved  goodness — admired  greatness, 
and  ever  aspired  to  its  glorious  summit  !  The  friend,  the  ser 
vant,  and  ajmost  unparalleled  lover  of  his  country;  worn  with 
honorable  age,  and  the  former  toils  of  tear — Putnam  rests  from 
his  labors  ! 

u  Till  mouldering  worlds  and  trembling  systems  burst ! 
When  the  last  trump  shall  renovate  his  dust — 
Still  by  the  mandate  of  eternel  truth, 
His  soul  will  flourish  in  immortal  youth  !'"' 

"  This  all  who  knew  him,  know  ;  this  all  who  lov'd  him  tell." 
Colonel  John  Crane 

Was  an  officer  of  much  merit,  and  a  complete  master  of  the  art 
of  gunnery .  He  commanded  at  the  breast  work  on  Boston  neck, 
with  great  effect,  and  frequently  dismounted  the  cannon  in  the 
embrasures  of  the  British  works.  After  the  evacuation  of 
Boston,  he  marched  to  New  York,  where  he  frequently  annoyed 
the  British  shipping,  in  passing  up  the  rivers. 

On  a  particular  occasion,  a  British  frigate  run  up  the  East 
river  and  anchored  on  the  Long  Island  side,  near  Corlaer's 
hook.  Four  field  pieces  were  ordered  to  annoy  her.  They 
irere  only  six  pounders.  Crane,  as  usual,  was  present  and 
pointed  the.  pieces.  His  sight  was  remarkably  true,  his  aim 
was  sure.  He  had  from  habit  and  the  acutenessof  his  vision, 
the  faculty  of  seeing  a  cannon  ball  on  its  passage  through  the 
air.  A  falling  shot  from  the  ship  he  kenned  in  a  direction  to 
nrike,  us  he  thought,  the  lower  part  of  his  body,  not  having 
time  to  change  his  position  in  any  other  way,  he  whirled  him- 
•elf  round  on  one  foot,  the  ball  struck  the  other  foot  while  raised 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  347 

in  the  air,  carrying  away  the  great  toe  and  ball  of  the  foot. 
Thus  ended  his  usefulness  for  the  campaign.  He  was  after- 
w.irds  removed  to  New  Jersey,  and  surviving  the  perils  of  a 
partial  Jock,  jaw  so  far  recovered  as  to  go  home  on  furlough. 
He  returned  the  next  spring  and  continued  in  service  till  the 
peace. 

Jlajor  General  Thomas  Conway,  and  his  duel  with 
General  Cadwallader. 

By  birth,  general  Conway  was  an  Irishman,  but  was  carried 
to  France  while  young.  He  came  from  that  country  in  1777, 
with  proper  recommendations ;  and  was  created  brigadier- 
general.  He  was  afterwards  made  inspector  general,  with  the 
rank  of  major-general,  but  other  brigadiers  remonstrated,  and 
he  never  undertook  the  duties  of  an  inspector.  His  hostility 
to  Washington  was  obvious,  and  his  attempt  to  raise  general 
Gates  to  the  office  of  Commander-in-chief,  gave  him  an  un 
pleasant  notoriety.  General  Cadwallader,  of  Pennsylvania, 
indignant  at  the  a'tenjpt  to  vilify  the  character  of  Washington, 
resolved  to  avenge  himself  on  the  aggressor,  in  personal  com 
bat.  In  Major  Garden's  Anecdotes  of  the  Revolutionary 
War,  &c.  we  have  the  following  detailed  particulars  of  the 
duel.  "  The  parties  having  declared  themselves  ready,  the 
word  was  given  to  proceed.  General  Conway  immediately 
raised  his  pistol  and  fired  with  great  composure,  but  without 
effect.  General  Cadwallader  was  about  to  do  so,  when  a  sud 
den  gust  of  wind  occurring,  he  kept  his  pistol  down  and  re 
mained  tranquil.  "  Why  do  you  not  fire,  General  Cadwalla 
der  ?"  exclaimed  Conway.  "Because,"  replied  general  Cad 
wallader,  "  we  came  not  here  to  trifle.  Let  the  gale  pass,  and 
I  shall  act  my  part."  "You  shall  have  a  fair  chance  of  per 
forming  it  well,"  rejoined  Conway,  and  immediately  presented 
a  full  front.  General  Cadwallader  fired,  and  his  ball  entered 
the  mouth  of  his  antagonist,  who  fell  directly  forward  on  his 
face.  Colonel  Morgan,  running  to  his  assistance,  found  the 
blood  spouting  from  behind  his  neck,  and  lifting  up  the  ciub  of 
hig  hair,  saw  the  ball  drop  from  it.  It  had  passed  through  his 
head,  greatly  to  the  derangement  of  his  tongue  and  teeth,  but 
did  not  inflict  a  mortal  wound.  As  soon  as  the  blood  was  suf 
ficiently  washed  away  to  allow  him  to  speak.  General  Conway, 
tu.ning  to  his  opponent,  said  good  humoredly,  "  You  fire,  gene 
ral,  with  much  deliberation,  and  certainly  with  a  great  deal  of 
effect."  The  calls  of  honour  being  satisfied,  all  animosity  sub 
sided,  and  they  parted  free  from  all  resentment.  General 
Conway,  conceiving  his  wound  to  be  mortal,  and  believing 
death  to  be  near,  acted  honorably,  in  addressing  to  General 


248  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

Washington,  whom  he  had  perfidiously  slandered,  the  following 
letter  of  apology. 

Philadelphia,  February  23d,  1778. 
SIR, 

I  find  myself  just  able  to  hold  my  pen  during  a  few  mi 
nutes,  and  take  this  opportunity  of  expressing  my  sincere  grief, 
for  having  done,  written,  or  said  any  thing  disagreeable  to 
your  Excellency.  My  career  will  soon  be  over,  therefore  jus- 
tics  and  truth  prompt  me  to  declare  my  last  sentiments.  You 
are  in  my  eyes  the  great  and  good  man.  May  you  long  enjoy 
the  love,  esteem  and  veneration  of  these  states,  whose  liberties 
you  have  asserted,  by  your  virtues. 

I  am,  with  the  greatest  rnspect, 

Your  Excellency's 
Most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

THS.  COINWAY- 


Frederick  Wlllidm  Augustus  B.iron  de  Sleubcn. 

This  gentleman  was  a  Prussian  officer,  aid  to  the  great 
Frederick,  and  lieutenant-general  in  the  army.  In  1777,  he 
presented  his  credentials  to  congress,  and  offered  to  serve  as  a 
volunteer  under  the  United  Stales.  By  this  devotion  of  him 
self  to  the  cause  of  liberty  an  honorable  and  the  lucrative  sta 
tion  was  relinquished,  and  congress  voted  him  thanks  for  his 
zeal  and  tender  of  service.  He  was  a  pupil  of  the  king  of 
Prussia,  an  able  disciplinarian  and  tactician,  and  was  soon  ap 
pointed  inspector  general,  with  the  title  of  major  general.  He 
was  equally  respected  as  an  officer,  and  beloved  as  well  bred 
and  humane. 

While  reviewing  a  troop  of  light  horse,  the  name  of  Arnold 
struck  his  ear.  The  soldier  was  ordered  to  the  front,  he  was 
a  fine  looking-  fellow,  his  horse  and  equipments  in  excellent  or 
der.  "  Change  your  name,  brother  soldier,  you  are  too  res 
pectable  to  bear  the  name  of  a  traitor."  "  What  name  shall  I 
take,  general?"  "  Take  any  other  name,  mine  is  at  your  ser 
vice."  Most  cheerfully  was  the  offer  accepied,  and  his  nann- 
was  entered  on  the  roll  as  Steuben.  He  or  his  children  now 
enjoy  land  given  to  him  in  the  town  of  Steuben  by  the  Baron. 
This  brave  soldier  met  him  after  the  war.  "  I  aui  well  settled, 
general,"  said  he,  "  and  have  a  wife  and  son,  I  have  called  my 
son  after  you,  Sir."  "  1  thank  you,  my  friend,  what  name 
have  you  given  the  boy?"  "  I  called  him  Baron,  what  else 
could  I  call  him?" 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  249 

A  ludicrous  circumstance  happened  while  he  commanded  in 
Virginia,  which  shows  the  firmness  of  his  character,  and  hia 
detestation  of  deception.  A  colonel  of  militia  brought  him  a 
recruit,  a  mere  boy,  whose  stature  had  been  increased  by 
something  put  in  his  shoes.  After  patting  the  child's  head, 
and  asking  his  age,  he  turnod  to  (he  colonel — "Sir,"  said  he, 
"  you  must  have  supposed  me  to  be  a  rascal."  "  O  !  no,  Baron, 
1  did  not.  "Then,  Sir,  I  suppose  you  to  be  a  rascal,  an  in 
famous  rascal,  thus  to  attempt  to  cheat  your  country.  Ser 
geant,  take  off  this  fellow's  spurs,  and  place  him  in  the  ranks, 
that  we  may  have  a  man  able  to  serve  instead  of  an  infant 
whom  he  would  basely  have  made  his  substitute  !  Go,  my  boy, 
take  the  colonel's  spurs  and  horse  to  his  wife;  make  tny  com 
pliments,  and  say,  her  husband  has  gone  to  fight  for  the  freedom 
of  his  county,  as  an  honest  man  should  do,  and  instantly 
ordered — platoons !  to  tne  right,  wheel !  forward  inarch  ! 

The  generou?,  the  noble  feelings  of  the  Baron  kept  him 
always  poor.  His  was  a  heart  too  sensitive  to  see  the  wants 
of  either  officer  or  soldier,  without  doing  his  duty  towards  their 
relief.  He  and  others  were  often  invited  to  the  tables  of  the 
French  officers,  a  compliment  he  was  often  unable  to  return. 
But  finally  he  could  stand  it  no  longer.  On«  of  his  people 
was  ordered  to  sell  his  silver  forks  and  spoons,  saying,  "  it  is 
not  republican  to  eat  with  silver  forks,  and  it  is  the  part  of  a 
gentleman  to  pay  his  debts.  They  shall  have  one  good  dinner, 
if  I  eat  my  soup  with  a  wooden  spoon  forever  after." 

At  a  review  near  Morristown,  some  fault  was  committed, 
which  led  him  to  arrest  lieutenaHt  Gibbons,  who  was  ordered 
to  the  rear.  At  a  proper  moment,  the  commander  of  the  re 
giment  came  forward  and  informed  the  Baron  of  Mr.  Gibbon's 
innocence,  of  his  worth,  and  of  his  acue  feelings  under  this 
unmerited  disgrace.  "  Desire  Lieutenant  Gibbons  to  come  to 
the  front,  colonel."  "  Sir,1'  said  the  Baron,  to  the  young  gen 
tleman,  "  the  fault  which  was  made,  by  throwing  the  line  into 
confusion,  might,  in  the  presence  of  an  enemy,  have  been  fatal. 
I  arrested  you  as  its  supposed  author,  but  1  have  reason  to  be 
lieve  that  I  was  mistaken,  and  that  in  this  instance  you  were 
blameless;  I  ask  your  pardon;  return  to  your  command — 1 
would  not  deal  unjustly  by  any,  much  less  by  one  whose  char- 
actor  as  an  officer  is  so  respectable."  All  this  passed  with  the 
Baron's  hat  off,  the  rain  pournj  on  his  venerable  head  ! — Do 
you  think  there  was  an  officer,  a  soldier  who  saw  it,  unmoved 
by  affection  and  respect?  Not  one." 

Among  the  numerous  annecdotes  which  show  the  kindness 
of  his  nature,  is  one  which  we  ought  not  to  omit.  It  is  related 
in  Thacher's  Journal,  and  is  as  follows  : 


250  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

"  A  black  man,  with  wounds  unhealed,  wept  on  the  wharf— 
(for  it  was  at  Newburgh  where  this  tragedy  was  acting) — there 
was  a  vessel  in  the  stream,  bound  to  the  place  where  he  once 
had  friends.  He  had  not  a  dollar  to  pay  his  passage,  and  he 
could  not  walk.  Unused  to  tears,  I  saw  them  trickle  down 
this  good  man's  cheeks  as  he  put  into  the  hands  of  the  black 
man  the  last  dollar  he  possessed.  The  negro  hailed  the  sloop, 
and  cried,  '  God  Almighty  bless  you,  master  Baron  !' 

After  peace,  New  Jersey  gave  him  a  small  improved  farm, 
and  New  York  a  tract  of  land  in  Oneida  county,  of  sixteen 
thousand  acres  ;  and  congress,  through  the  influence  of  Ha 
milton  and  Washington,  granted  him  twenty-five  hundred 
dollars  yearly,  for  life.  Of  his  land,  about  one  tenth  was  given 
to  his  aids  and  servants,  and  the  remainder  was  parcelled  out 
to  twenty  or  thirty  tenants;  on  easy  terms.  He  died  in  1795, 
aged  sixty-five  years. 

Captain  Houdin,  or  Udang. 

Among  the  ludicrous  aneedotes  which  are  told  of  revolu 
tionary  timps,  one  relating  to  captain  Houdin,  is  particularly 
mirthful.  He  was  a  Frenchman  of  singular  manners,  features, 
and  general  appearance.  On  a  return  from  Boston,  in  1780, 
he  relaled  some  incidents  that  occurred  to  him,  which  have 
frequently  been  repeated  to  aid  in  festive  mirth.  Some  wag 
knowing  his  vanity  and  affectation  of  consequence,  had  em 
ployed  a  negro  wench  to  make  a  familiar  address  to  him  in 
some  public  place.  This  was  a  severe  mortification,  and  des 
troyed  all  the  comforts  of  his  visit.  In  answer  to  an  inquiry 
how  he  liked  Boston,  this  vexation  was  uppermost  in  his  mind. 
"  I  like  Boston  very  well  all  but  one  d — d  madam  nig,"  by 
whom  he  was  insulted. 

J\Ir.  Bushneirs  Torpedo. 

Our  readers  rill  recollect  that  Mr.  Fulton  constructed  a 
torpedo,  or  machine  for  blowing  up  ships,  which  made  some 
stir  among  the  British  during  the  last  war.  But  few,  com 
paratively  speaking,  have  heard  of  the  invention  by  Mr.  Bush- 
nell  for  this  purpose,  during  the  Revolution.  As  we  have  a 
description  at  hand,  it  may  be  read  by  the  curious. 

Mr.  Bushnell,  gave  to  his  machine  the  name  of  the  Ameri 
can  Turtle  or  Torpedo.  It  was  constructed  on  the  principles 
of  submarine  navigation,  and  on  trial  it  has  been  ascertained 
that  it  might  be  rowed  horizontally,  at  any  given  depth  unde"r 
water,  and  the  adventurer,  concealed  within,  might  rise  or 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  251 

sink,  as  occasion  requires.  A  magazine  of  powder  was  attach 
ed  to  it  in  such  a  manner  as  to  be  screwed  into  the  bottom  ut 
the  ship ;  and  being  now  disengaged  from  the  machine,  the 
operator  retires  in  safety,  leaving  tiie  internal  clock  work  in 
motion  ;  and  at  the  distance  of  half  an  hoar,  or  an  hour,  the 
striking  of  a  gun  lock  communicates  fire  to  the  powder,  and 
the  explosion  takes  place.  It  was  determined  to  make  the  ex 
periment  with  this  machine  in  the  night,  on  the  ship  Eagle,  of 
sixty  four  guns,  on  board  of  which  admiral  Lord  Howe  com 
manded.  General  Putnam  placed  himself  on  the  wharf  to 
witness  the  result.  Mr.  Bushnell  had  instructed  his  brother  in 
the  management  of  the  Torpedo  with  perfect  dexterity  ;  but 
being  taken  sick,  a  sergeant  of  a  Connecticut  regiment  was  se 
lected  for  the  business,  who,  for  want  of  time,  could  not  be 
properly  instructed.  He  however,  succeeded  so  far  as  to  ar 
rive  in  safety  with  his  apparatus  under  the  botiom  of  the  ship, 
when  the  ecrew,  designed  to  perforate  the  copper  sheathing, 
unfortunately  struck  against  an  iron  plate,  near  the  rudder, 
which,  with  the  strong  current  and  want  of  skill  in  the  opera 
tor,  frustrated  the  enterprize  ;  and,  as  day  light  hnd  begun  to 
appear,  the  sergeant  abandoned  his  magazine,  and  returned  in 
the  Torpedo  to  the  shore.  In  less  than  half  an  hour  a  terribla 
explosion  from  the  magazine  look  place,  and  threw  into  the  air 
a  prodigious  column  of  water,  resembling1  a  great  water  spout, 
attended  with  a  report  like  thunder.  General  Putnam,  and 
others  who  waited  with  great  anxiety  for  the  result,  were  ex 
ceedingly  amused  with  the  astonishment  and  alarm  which  this 
secret  explosion  occasioned  on  board  of  the  ship.  This  failure, 
it  is  confidently  asserted,  is  not  to  be  attributed  to  any  defect 
in  the  principles  of  this  wonderful  machine;  as  it  is  allowed  to 
be  admirably  calculated  to  execute  destruction  among  the  ship 
ping. 

Anecdote  of  General  Prescott. 


General  Prescott,  who  was  taken  at  Rhode  Island  by  Cuio- 
nel  Barton,  on  his  route  through  Connecticut,  called  at  a  tavern 
to  dine  ;  the  landlady  brought  on  the  table  a  dish  of  suc- 
catash,  boiled  corn  and  beans  ;  tho  ^oneral,  unaccustomed  to 
such  kind  of  food,  with  much  warmth  exclaimed,  "what,  do 
you  treat  us  with  the  food  of  hogs  ?  '  and  taking  (he  dish  from 
the  table,  emptied  the  contents  ovor  the  floor.  The  landlord 
being  informed  of  this,  soon  entered  with  his  horsewhip,  and 
gave  the  general  a  severe  chastisement.  After  the  general 
was  exchanged,  and  lie  resumed  his  command  on  the  island, 
the  inhabitants  of  Nantucket  deputed  Dr.  Gilston  to  negotiate 


252  UNIVERSAL    HISTORY  OF 

some  concerns  with  General  Prescott,  in  behalf  of  the  town. 
Prescott  treated  the  Doctor  very  cavalierly,  and  gave  as  the 
cause,  that  the  Doctor  looked  so  like  that  d — d  landlord, 
who  horsewhipped  him  in  Connecticut,  that  he  could  not  treat 
him  with  civility. 

Anecdote  of  a  Blackamoor. 

When  the  count  D'Estaing's  fleet  appeared  near  the  British 
batteries,  in  the  harbor  of  Rhode  Island,  a  severe  cannonade 
was  commenced,  and  several  shot  passed  through  the  housea 
in  town,  and  occasioned  great  consternation  among  the  inhab 
itants.  A  shot  passed  through  the  door  of  Mrs.  Mason's  house, 
just  above  the  floor.  The  family  were  alarmed,  not  knowing 
where  to  flee  for  safety.  A  negro  man  ran  and  sat  himself 
down  very  composedly,  with  his  back  against  the  shot  hole  in 
the  door,  and  being  asked  by  young  Mr.  Mason  why  he  chose 
that  situation,  he  replied,  "•  Massa,  you  never  know  two  bullet 
go  in  one  place." 

Heroic  Enterprise  of  Sergeant  Jasper. 

Among  the  little  band  of  heroes  who  so  faithfully  and  effi 
ciently  defended  Sullivan's  Island  against  the  attack  of  an  over 
whelming  British  force,  tho  name  of  sergeant  Jasper  holds  a 
conspicuous  place.  During  the  heat  of  the  engagement,  a  can 
non  ball  struck  the  American  flag,  which  fell  into  the  ditch. 
The  inhabitants  of  Charleston,  considered  the  fort  as  surren 
dered.  When  sergeant  Jasper  discovered  this,  he  leaped  from 
an  embrasure,  picked  up  the  flag1,  and  secured  it  to  a  sponge 
stock,  and  supported  it  till  secured  to  another  flag  staff. 

In  consequence  of  his  enterprise,  intelligence,  and  activity, 
he  received  a  roving  commission  from  his  commander,  who  was 
often  first  informed  of  his  absence,  by  his  return  with  prisoners. 
As  a  partisan  officer  he  was  therefore  exceedingly  useful. 
The  few  men  he  took  with  him  were  of  his  own  choice,  and 
his  enterprises  successful  ;  and  that  his  humanity  equalled  his 
daring  exploits,  is  a  truth  which  is  well  known,  and  redounds 
to  his  lasting- honour.  Wiiile  Savannah  was  in  possession  of 
the  British,  he  entered  the  city,  learned  their  strength  and  in- 
ttifition,  and  returned  with  information  to  his  commander,  co 
lonel  Moultrie. 

The  biographer  of  general  Marion  relates  an  achievement  of 
the  sergeant,  which  was  executed  in  one  of  his  expeditions, 
the  credibility  of  which  is  too  well  attested  to  be  doubted. 

While  he  was  examining  the  British  camp  at   Ebenezer,  all 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  253 

>he  sympathy  of  his  heart  was  awakened  by  the  distress  of  a. 
Airs.  Jones,  whose  husband,,  an  American  by  birth,  had  taken 
the  king's  protection,  and  been  confined  in  irons  for  deserting 
the  royal  cause,  after  he  had  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance.  Her 
well  founded  belief  was,  that  nothing  short  of  the  life  of  her 
husband  would  atone  for  the  offence  with  which  he  was  char 
ged.  Anticipating  the  awful  scene  of  a  beloved  husband  ex 
piring  on  the  gibbet,  had  excited  inexpressible  emotions  of 
grief  and  distraction.  Jasper  secretly  consulted  with  his  com 
panion,  sergeant  Newton,  whose  feelings  for  the  distressed  fe 
male  and  her  child  were  equally  excited  with  his  own,  upon 
the  practicability  of  releasing  Jones  from  his  impending  fate. 
Though  they  were  unable  to  suggest  a  plan  of  operation,  they 
were  determined  to  watch  for  the  most  favourable*  opportunity, 
and  make  the  efibrt. 

The  departure  of  Jones  and  several  others,  all  in  irons,  to 
Savannah,  for  trial,  under  a  guard,  consisting  of  a  sergeant, 
corporal,  and  eight  men,  was  ordered  upon  the  succeeding 
morning.  Within  two  miles  of  Savannah,  about  thirty  yards 
from  the  main  road,  is  a  spring  of  fine  water  surrounded  by  a 
deep  and  thick  underwood,  where  travellers  often  halt  to  re 
fresh  themselves  with  a  cool  draught  from  this  pure  fountain. 
Jasper  and  his  companion  selected  this  spot  as  the  most  fa 
vourable  for  their  enterprise.  They  accordingly  passed  the 
guard,  and  concealed  themselves  near  the  spring. 

When  the  enemy  came  up,  they  halted,  and  two  of  the  gmrn 
only  remained  with  the  prisoners,  while  the  others  leaned  their 
guns  against  the  trees  in  a  careless  manner,  and  went  to  the 
spring.  Jasper  and  Newton  sprung  from  their  place  of  con 
cealment,  seized  two  of  the  muskets,  and  shot  the  sentinel*. 
The  possession  of  all  the  arms  placed  the  enemy  in  their  power, 
and  compelled  them  to  surrender.  The  irons  were  taken  oil* 
from  the  prisoners,  and  arms  put  into  their  hands.  The  win;;e 
party  arrived  at  Purysburg,  the  next  mrrning,  and  joined  the 
American  camp.  There  are  but  few  instances  upon  record 
where  personal  exertions,  even  for  self-preservation  from  cer 
tain  prospects  of  death,  would  have  induced  a  resort  to  an  act 
so  desperate  of  execution  ;  how  much  more  laudable  was  this, 
where  the  spring  to  action  was  roused,  by  the  lamentations  of 
a  female  unknown  to  the  adventurers  ! 

Subsequently  to  the  gallant  defence  at  Sullivan's  Island. 
Col.  Moultrie's  regiment  was  presented  with  a  stand  of  colours 
by  Mrs.  Elliot,  which  she  had  richly  embroidered  with  her  own 
hands  ;  and,  as  a  reward  of  Jasper's  particular  merits,  govern- 
our  Rutledgo  presented  him  with  a  very  handsome  sword.  Du 
ring  the  assault  against  Savannah,  two  officers  had  been  killed 
and  one  wounded,  endeavouring  to  plant  these  colours  upon 
22 


*54  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

the  enemy's  parapet  of  the  Sprini;hill  redouht.  Just  before 
the  retreat  was  ordered,  Jasper  endeavored  to  replace  them  up 
on  the  works,  and  while  he  was  in  the  act,  received  a  mortal 
wound  and  fell  into  the  ditch.  When  a  retreat  was  ordered,  he 
recollected  the  honourable  condition  upon  which  the  donor  pre 
sented  the  colours  to  his  regiment,  and  among  the  last,  acts  of  his 
life,  succeeded  in  bringing  them  off. 

Major  Horry  called  to  see  him  soon  after  the  retreat,  to  whom, 
it  is  said,  he  made  the  following  communication.  '*  1  have  got 
my  furlough.  That  sword  was  presented  to  rm:  by  Governour 
Rutledge,  for  rny  services  in  the  defence  of  fort  Moul'rie. 
Give  it  to  my  father,  and  tell  him  I  have  worn  it  wilh  honour. 
If  he  should  \yeep,  tell  him  his  son  died  in  the  hope  of  a  better 
life.  Tell  Mrs.  Elliot  that  I  lost  my  life,  supporting  the  col 
ours  which  she  presented  to  our  regiment.  If  you  should  ever 
see  Jones,  his  wife  and  son.  tell  them  that  Jasper  is  gone,  but 
that  the  remembrance  of  the  battle,  which  he  fought  for  them, 
brought  a  secret  joy  to  his  heart  when  it  was  about  to  stop  its 
motion  forever."  He  expired  a  few  minutes  after  closing  this 
sentence. 

Perhaps  few  incidents  which  occurrred  in  the  revolutionary 
struggle,  have  been  better  related,  or  more  widely  circulated, 
than  those  connected  with  the  heroines  who  were  in  the  army 
of  Burgoyne,  when  he  surrendered  to  the  prowess  of  General 
Gates.  The  baroness  de  Reidesel  and  lady  Harriet  Ackland 
continued  with  their  husbands,  and  were  exposed  to  the  hard 
ships  and  dangers  of  an  invading  army,  until  the  fortune  of  war 
made  them  captives.  The  high  character  given  to  general 
Schuyler  in  the  narration  of  the  baroness,  is  sufficient  to  en 
sure  it  a  place  among  the  anecdotes,  if  we  had  no  other  reason. 
We  delight  to  honour  him,  at  this  late  day,  whose  worth  de 
serves  an  abler  pen  than  ours. 

The  catastrophe  which  so  severely  affected  lady  Harriet, 
was  truly  distressing.  After  braving  the  dangers  of  the  seas, 
the  fatigues  of  marching,  the  privations  of  a  camp,  and  the  hor 
rors  of  war  ;  after  exhibiting  the  most  courageous  constancy, 
fidelity,  and  kindly  attention,  how  is  it  possible,  that  her  hus 
band  could  risk  his  life,  and  finally  die  u  as  a  fool  dieth,"  by 
the  hands  of  a  duelist  ?  Astonishing  infatuation  !  fatal  delu 
sion  !  Let  every  man,  and  every  woman  too,  give  a  vote 
against  this  mode  of"  honourable  murder." 

On  the  7th  of  October,  says  the  Baroness  de  Reidesel,  our 
misfortunes  began.  I  was  at  breafast  with  my  husband,  anU 
heard  that  something  was  intended.  On  the  same  day  1  expec 
ted  Generals  Burgoyne,  Phillips,  and  Fraser,  to  dine  with  us. 
f  *a\v  a  great  movement  among  the  troops  ;  my  husband  told  me 
it  ?*as  merely  a  reconrioissance,  which  gave  me  no  concern,  as 


THE  UNITED   STATES.  255 

it  often  happened.     I  \\  <tof  the  house,  and  met  several 

Indians  in  their  war  dresses,  '.vith  guns  in  their  hands.  When  I 
asked  where  they  were  going1,  they  cried  out,  War  !  War  ! 
meaning  that  they  were  going  to  battle.  This  filled  me  with 
apprehension  ;  and  I  had  scarcely  got  home,  befere  I  heard  the 
reports  of  cannon  and  musketry,  which  grew  louder  by  degrees, 
till  at  last  the  noise  became  excessive. 

About  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  instead  of  the  guests 
whom  I  expected.  Gen.  Fraser  was  brought  on  a  litter,  mor 
tally  wounded.  The  table,  which  was  already  set,  was  re 
moved,  and  a  bed  placed  in  its  stead,  for  the  wounded  general. 
I  sat  trembling-  in  a  corner  ;  the  noise  grew  louder,  and  the 
alarm  increased;  the  thought  that  my  husband  might  be 
brought  in  wounded,  in  the  same  manner,  was  terrible  to  me, 
and  distressed  me  exceedingly.  General  Fraser  said  to  the 
surgeon,  "  Tell  me  if  my  wound  is  mortal,  do  not  flatter  me." 
The  ball  had  passsed  through  his  body,  and,  unhappily  for  the 
general,  he  had  eaten  a  very  hearty  breakfast,  by  which  the 
stomach  was  distended,  and  the  ball,  as  the  surgeon  said,  had 
passed  through  it. 

I  heard  him  often  exclaim,  with  a  sigh,  '•  OH  FATAL  AMBI 
TION  !  Poor  General  Burgoyne  !  Ok  my  poor  wife!"  He  was 
asked  if  he  had  any  request  to  make,  to  which  he  replied  ;  "  If 
General  Burgtyne  would  permit  if,  he  should  like  to  be  buried  at 
6  o'clock,  in  the  evening^  on  the  top  of  a  mountain,  in  a  redoubt, 
which,  had  been  built  there.''  1  did  not  know  which  way  to 
turn  ;  all  the  other  rooms  were  full  of  sick.  Towards  even 
ing,  [  saw  my  husband  coming  ;  then  I  forgot  all  my  sorrows, 
and  thanked  God  that  he  was  spared  to  me.  He  and  his  aid- 
de-camp  ate,  in  great  haste,  with  me,  behind  the  house.  We 
had  been  told,  that  we  had  the  advantage  of  the  enemy  ;  but 
the  sorrowful  faces  which  I  beheld  told  a  different  tale  ;  and, 
before  my  husband  went  away,  he  took  me  one  side,  and  said 
every  thing  was  going  very  bad  ;  that  I  must  keep  myself  in 
readiness  to  leave  the  place,  but  not  to  mention  it  to  any  one. 
I  made  the  pretence  that  I  would  move,  the  next  moining,  into 
my  new  house,  and  had  every  thing  packed  up  and  ready. 

Lady  H.  Ackland  had  a  tent,  not  far  from  our  house,  in 
which  she  slept,  and  the  rest  of  the  day  she  was  in  the  -camp. 
All  of  a  sudden,  a  mnn  came  to  tell  her,  that  her  husband  was 
mortally  wounded,  and  taken  prisoner  ;  on  hearing  this,  she 
became  very  miserable;  we  comforted  her,  by  telling  her,  that 
the  wound  was  only  slight,  and,  at  the  same  time  advised  her  to 
go  over  to  her  husband,  to  do  which  she  would  certainly  ob 
tain  permission,  and  then  she  could  attend  him  herself.*  She 
was  a  charming  woman,  and  very  fond  of  him.  I  spent  much 
of  Uie  night  in  comforting  her,  and  then  went  again  to  my  ci;il- 


256  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

dren,  whom  I  had  put  to  bed.  I  could  not  go  to  sleep,  as  I  had 
General  Fraser,  and  all  the  other  wounded  gentlemen,  in  my 
room  ;  and  I  was  sadly  afraid  my  children  would  awake,  and 
by  their  crying,  disturb  the  dying  man,  in  his  last  moments, 
who  often  addressed  me,  and  apologized  "  for  the  trouble  fie 
gave  me." 

About  three  o'clock  in  the  morning,  I  was  told  that  he  could 
not  hold  out  much  longer  ;  I  had  desired  to  be  informed  of  the 
near  approarh  of  this  sad  crisis,  and  then  wrapped  up  my  chil 
dren  in  their  clothes,  and  went  with  them  into  the  room  below. 
About  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning,  he  died.  After  he  was 
laid  out,  and  his  corpse  wrapped  up  in  a  sheet,  we  came  again 
into  the  room,  and  had  thi*  sorrowful  sight  before  us,  the  whole 
day  ;  and,  to  add  to  the  melancholy  scene,  almost  every  mo 
ment,  some  officer  of  my  acquaintance  was  brought  in  wound 
ed.  The  connonade  commenced  again  ;  a  retreat  was  spoken 
of,  but  not  the  smallest  motion  was  made  towards  it.  About 
four  o'clock  in  the  nfternoon,  I  saw  the  house,  which  had  just 
been  boilt  for  me,  in  flames,  and  the  enemy  was  not  far  off. 
We  kew  that  General  Burgoyne  would  not  refuse  the  last  re 
quest  of  General  Fraser,  though,  by  his  acceding  to  it,  an  un 
necessary  delay  was  occasioned,  by  which  the  inconvenience  o£ 
the  army  was  increased. 

At  six  o'clock,  the  corpse  was  brought  out,  and  we  saw  all 
the  generals  attend  it  to  the  mountain  ;  the  chaplain,  Mr. 
Br.udenell,  performed  the  funeral  service,  rendered  unusually 
solemn  and  awful,  from  its  being  accompanied  by  constant  peals 
from  the  enemy's  artillery.  Many  cannon  balls  flew  close  by 
me,  but  I  had  my  eyes  directed  towards  the  mountain,  where 
my  husband  was  standing-,  amidst  the  fire  of  the  enemy,  arid,  of 
course,  I  could  not  think  of  my  own  danger. 

General  Gates  afterwards  said,  that  if  he  had  known  it  had 
been  a  funeral,  he  would  not  have  permitted  it  to  be  fired  on. 

As  soon  as  the  funeral  service  was  finished,  and  the  grave  of 
Gen.  Fraser  was  closed,  an  order  was  issued  that  the  army 
should  retreat.  My  calash  was  prepared,  but  I  would  not  con 
sent  to  go  before  the  troops.  Major  Harnage,  although  suf 
fering1  from  his  wounds,  crept,  from  his  bed,  as  he  did  not  wish 
to  remain  in  the  hospital,  which  was  left  with  a  flag  of  truce. 
When  Gen.  Reideselsaw  me  in  the  midst  of  danger,  he  order 
ed  my  women  and  children  to  be  brought  into  the  calash,  and 
intimated  tome  to  depart,  without  delay.  I  still  prayed  to  re 
main;  but  my  husband,  knowing  my  weak  side,  said,  "  well 
then,  your  children  must  go,  that,  at  least,  they  may  be  safe 
from  danger."  I  then  agreed  to  enter  the  calash  with  them,  and 
we  set  off  at  eight  o'clock.  The  retreat  was  ordered  to  be  con 
ducted  with  the  greatest  silence.  Many  fires  were  lighted. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  257 

and  several  tents  left  standing.  We  travelled  continually  du 
ring  the  night. 

At  six  o'clock  in  the  morning,  We  halted,  which  excited  the 
surprise  of  all.  General  Burgoyne  had  the  cannon  ranged  and 
prepared  for  battle.  This  delay  seemed  to  displease  every 
body;  for,  if  we  could  only  have  made  another  good  march, 
we  should  have  been  in  safety.  My  husband,  quite  exhausted 
with  fatigue,  came  into  my  calash,  and  slept  for  three  hours. 
During  that  time,  Capt.  Wilde  brought  me  a  bag  full  of  bank 
notes,  and  Captain  Geisman  his  elegant  watch,  a  ring,  and  a 
purse  full  of  money,  which  they  requested  me  to  take  care  of, 
and  which  I  promised  to  do  to  the  utmof-.t  of  my  power.  We 
again  marched,  but  had  scarcely  proceeded  an  hour  before  we 
halted,  as  the  enemy  was  in  sight.  It  proved  to  be  only  a 
reconnoitering  party  of  two  hundred  men,  who  might  easily 
have  been  made  prisoners,  if  General  Burgoyne  had  given  pro 
per  orders  on  the  occasion. 

About  evening  we  arrived  at  Saratoga;  my  dress  was3  wet 
through  and  through  with  raiu,  and,  in  that  state,  I  had  to  re 
main  the  whole  night,  having  no  place  to  change  it  ;  I  how 
ever  got  close  to  a  large  fire,  and  at  last  lay  down  on  some 
straw.  Al  this  moment,  General  Phillips  came  up  to  me,  and  j 
asked  him  why  we  had  not  continued  our  retreat,  as  my  hus 
band  had  promised  to  cover  it,  and  bring  the  army  through  ? 
••  Poor  dear  woman,"  said  he.  "  I  wonder  how,  drenched  aa 
you  are,  you  have  still  the  courajre  to  persevere,  and  venture 
further  in  this  kind  of  weather.  1  wish,"  continued  he,  "  YOU 
wus  our  commanding  general.  General  Burgoyne  is  tired,  and 
means  to  halt  here  to-night,  and  give  us  our  supper.'1 

On  the  morning  of  the  9th,  at  ten  o'clock,  General  Burgoyoe 
ordered  the  retreat  to  be  continued,  and  caused  the  handsome 
houses  and  mills  of  General  Schuyler  to  be  burnt ;  we  march 
ed  however  but  a  short  distance,  and  then  hnlb'd.  The  great 
est  misery  at  this  time  prevailed  in  the  army,  and 'more  t«aa 
thirty  officers  came  to  me,  for  whom'  tea  and  coffee  were  pre 
pared,  and  with  whom  I  shared  all  my  provisions,  with  which 
iny  calash  was  in  general  well  supplied  ;  for  I  had  a  cook  »vi;o 
was  an  excellent  caterer,  and  who  often,  in  the  night,  crossed 
small  rivers,  and  foraged  on  the  inhabitants,  bringing  in  with 
him  sheep,  small  pigs,  and  poultry,  for  which  he  often  forgot  to 
pay,  though  he  received  good  pay  from  me,  as  long  as  i  had 
any,  and  he  wa-,  jlMmutely,  handsomely  rewarded.  =Our  pro 
vision  nt.xv  failed  us^  for  want  of  proper  conduct  in  the  corn- 
juissary's  department,  and  1  began  to  despair. 

About  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  wo  again  heard  a  firing 
cf  cannon  and  small  arms  ;  instantly  all  was  in  alarm,  and 
every  thing  in  motion.  My  husband  'tuid  me  to  go  to  a  Lous* 
22* 


258  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

not  far  off.  I  immediately  seated  myself  in  my  calash,  with 
my  children,  and  drove  off;  but,  scarcely  had  we  reached  it, 
before  I  discovered  five  or  six  armed  men,  on  the  other  side  of 
the  Hudson.  Instinctively  I  threw  my  children  down  in  the 
ealash,  and  concealed  myself  with  them.  At  that  moment  the 
fellows  fired,  and  wounded  an  already  wounded  English  soldier, 
who  was  behind  me.  Poor  fellow  !  I  pitied  him  exceeding^, 
but,  at  that  moment,  had  no  power  or  means  to  relieve  him. 
A  terrible  cannonade  was  commenced  by  the  enemy,  which 
was  directed  against  the  house  in  which  I  sought  to  obtain 
shelter  for  myself  and  children,  under  the  mistaken  idea  that 
all  the  generals  were  in  it.  Alas  !  it  contained  none  but 
wounded  and  women ;  we  were  at  last  obliged  to  resort  to  the 
cellar  for  refuge,  and,  in  one  corner  of  this,  I  remained  the 
whole  day,  my  children  sleeping  on  the  earth,  with  their  heads 
in  my  lap";  and  in  the  same  situation  I  passed  a  sleepless  night. 
Eleven  cannon  balls  passed  through  the  house,  and  we  could 
distinctly  hear  them  roll  away.  One  poor  soldier,  who  was 
lying  on  a  table,  for  the  purpose  of  having  his  leg  amputated, 
was  struck  by  a  shot,  which  carried  away  his  other  leg1.  His 
comrades  had  left  him,  and,  when  we  went  to  his  assistance,  we 
found  him  in  a  corner  of  the  room,  into  which  he  had  crept, 
more  dead  than  alive,  scarcely  breathing.  My  reflections  on 
the  danger  to  which  my  husband  was  expose-d  now  agonized 
me  exceedingly,  and  the  thoughts  of  my  children,  and  the 
necessity  of  struggling  for  their  preservation  alone  sustained 
me. 

I  now  occupied  myself  through  the  day  in  attending  to  the 
wounded  ;  I  made  them  toa  and  coffee,  and  often  shared  my 
dinner  with  them,  for  which  they  offered  me  a  thousand  ex 
pressions  of  gratitude.  One  day  a  Canadian  officer  came  to 
our  cellar,  who  had  hardly  the  power  of  holding  himself  up 
right,  and  we  concluded  he  was  dying  for  want  of  nourish 
ment.  1  was  happy  in  offering  him  my  dinner,  which  strength 
ened  him,  and  procured  me  his  friendship.  I  now  undertook 
the  care  of  Major  Bloomfield,  another  aid-de-camp  of  General 
Phillips,  who  had  received  a  musket  ball  through  both  cheeks, 
which  in  its  course,  had  knocked  out  several  of  his  teeth,  and 
cut  his  tongue.  He  could  hold  nothing  in  his  mouth ;  the 
matter  which  ran  from  his  wound  almost  choked  him,  and  he 
was  not  able  to  take  any  nourishment,  except  a  little  soup  or 
something  liquid.  'We  had  some  Rhenish  wine;  and,  in  the 
hope  that  the  acidity  of  it  would  cleanse  the  wound,  I  gave 
him  a  bottle  of  it;  he  took  a  little  now  and  then,  and  with 
such  effect,  that  his  cure  soon  followed  ;  and  thus  I  -added 
another  to  my  stock  of  friends,  and  derived  a  satisfaction. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  259 

which,  in  the  midst  of  sufferings,  served  to  tranquillize  me,  and 
diminish  their  acuteness. 

One  day,  General  Phillips  accompanied  my  husband,  at  the 
risk  of  their  lives,  on  a  visit  to  us,  who,  after  having  witnessed 
our  situation,  said  to  him,  "  I  would  not,  for  ten  thousand  gui 
neas,  come  again  to  this  place,  my  heart  is  almost  broken." 

In  this  horrid  situation  we  remained  six  days.  A  cessation 
of  hostilities  was  now  spoken  of,  and  eventually  took  place  ;  a 
convention  was  afterwards  agreed  upon;  but  one  day  a  mes 
sage  was  sent  to  my  husband,  who  had  visited  me,  and  was  re- 
pnsinof  in  my  bed,  to  attend  a  council  of  war,  where  it  was  pro 
posed"^  break  the  the  convention,  but,  to  my  great  joy,  the 
majority  were  for  adhering  to  it.  On  the  16th,  however,  my 
husband  had  to  repair  to  his  post,  and  I  to  my  cellar.  This  day 
fresh  beef  was  served  out  to  the  officers,  who,  until  now,  had 
only  had  salt  provisions,  which  was  very  bad  for  their  wounds. 

Oo  the  17th  of  October, the  convention  was  completed.  Gene 
ral  Burgoyne  and  the  other  generals  waited  or  General  Gates, 
the  American  commander.  The  troops  laid  down  their  arms, 
and  gave  themselves  up  prisoners  of  war,  and  now,  the  good 
woman,  who  had  supplied  us  with  water,  at  the  hazard  of  her 
life,  received  the  reward  of  her  services;  each  of  us  threw  a 
handful  of  money  into  her  apron,  and  she  got  altogether  about 
twenty  guineas.  At  such  a  moment  as  this,  how  susceptible 
is  the  heart  of  feelings  of  gratitude  ! 

My  husband  sent  a  message  to  me,  to  come  over  to  him  with 
my  children.  I  seated  myself,  once  more,  in  my  dear  ealash, 
and  then  rode  through  the  American  camp.  As  I  passed  on, 
1  observed  (and  this  was  a  great  consolation  to  me)  that  no  one 
eyed  me  with  loaks  of  resentment,  but  that  they  ail  greeted  us, 
and  even  showed  compassion  in  their  countenances,  at  the 
sight  of  a  woman  with  small  children.  I  was,  I  confess,  afraid 
to  go  over  to  the  enemy,  as  it  was  quite  a  new  situation  to  me. 
When  I  drew  near  the  tents,  a  handsome  man  approached  and 
met  ine,  took  my  children  from  the  calash,  and  hugged  and  kiss 
ed  them,  which  affected  me  almost  to  tears.  "  You  tremble," 
said  he,  addressing  himself  to  me,  "•  be  not  afraid."  *'iSo,"  I 
answered,  "you  geem  so  kind  and  tender  to  my  children,  it 
inspires  me  with  courage."  He  now  led  me  to  the  tent  of 
General  Gates,  where  T  found  Generals  Bursroyne  and  Phillips, 
who  were  on  a  friendly  footing  with  the  former.  Burgoyne 
t.a;d  to  me,  "  Never  mind,  your  sorrows  have  now  an  end."  I 
answered  him  that  I  should  be  reprehensible  to  have  any  cares, 
as  he  had  none,  and  I  was  pleased  to  see  him  on  such  a  friendljr 
footing  with  General  Gates.  All  the  generals  remained  to 
dine  with  General  Gates. 


260  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

The  same  gentleman,  who  received  me  so  kindly,  now  came 
and  said  to  me,  "  You  will  be  very  much  embarrassed  to  eat 
with  all  these  gentlemen ;  come  with  your  children  to  my  tent ; 
there  I  will  prepare  fbr  you  a  frugal  dinner,  and  give  it  with  a 
free  will."  I  said,  '"You  are  certainly  a  husband  and  a  father, 
you  have  shown  me  so  much  kindness.  I  now  found  that  he 
was  General  Schuylcr.  He  treated  me  with  excellent  smoked 
tongue,  beef  steaks,  potatoes,  and  good  bread  and  butter. 
Never  could  I  have  wished  to  eat  a  better  dinner.  I  was  con 
tent.  I  saw  all  around  me  were  so  likewise;  and,  what  »vu* 
better  than  all,  my  husband  was  out  of  danger. 

When  we  had  dined,  he  told  me  hia  residence  was  at  Albanr, 
and  that  General  Burgoyne  intended  to  honour  him  as  Ins 
guest,  and  invited  myself  and  children  to  do  likewise.  I  asked 
my  husband  how  I  should  act  ;  he  told  me  to  accept  the  invi 
tation.  As  it  was  two  days'  journey  there,  he  advised  me  to 
go  to  a  place,  which  was  about  three  hours'  ride  distant.  Ge 
neral  Schuyler  had  the  politeness  to  send  with  me  a  French 
officer,  a  very  agreeable  man,  who  commanded  the  reconnoiter- 
ing  party  of  which  I  had  before  spoken  ;  and  when  he  had  es 
corted  me  to  the  house,  where  1  was  to  remain,  he  turned  back 
again.  In  the  house  I  found  a  French  surgeon,  who  had  under 
his  care  a  Brunswick  officer,  who  was  mortally  wounded,  and 
died  some  days  afterwards. 

The  Frenchman  boasted  much  of  the  care  he  took  of  his  pa 
tient,  and  perhaps  was  skilful  enough  as  a  surgeon,  but  other 
wise  was  a  mere  simpleton.  He  was  rejoiced  when  he  found 
I  could  speak  his  language,  and  he  began  to  address  many 
empty  and  impertinent  speeches  to  me;  he  said,  among  other 
things,  he  could  not  believe  that  I  was  a  general's  wife,  as  he 
was  certain  a  woman  of  such  rank  would  not  follow  her  hus 
band.  He  wished  me  to  remain  with  him,  as  he  said  it  w-a* 
better,  to  be  with  the  conquerors  than  the  conquered.  I  was 
shocked  at  his  impudence,  hut  dared  not  show  the  contempt  I 
felt  for  him,  because  it  would  deprive  me  of  a  place  of  safety. 
Towards  evening  he  begged  mo  to  take  a  part  of  his  chamber. 
I  told  him  I  was  determined  to  remain  in  the  room  with  the 
wounded  officer ;  whereupon  he  attempted  to  pay  me  some 
stupid  compliments.  At  this  moment  the  door  opened,  and  tny 
husband  with  his  aid-de-carnp  entered.  I  then  said,  "  Here, 
Sir,  is  my  husband  ;"  and  at  the  same -time  eyed  him  with 
scorn,  whereupon  he  retired  abashed,  nevertheless,  he  was  so 
polite  as  to  offer  his  chamber  to  us. 

Some  days  after  this  we  arrived  at  Albany,  where  v,re  BO 
often  wished  ourselves,  but  we  did  not  enter  it  as  we  expected 
we  should,  victors!  We  were  received  by  the  good  General 
Schuyler,  his  wife,  and  daughtes,  not  as  cuernies,  but  kiud 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  261 

friends;  and  they  treated  us  with  the  most  marked  attention 
and  politeness,  as  they  did  General  Burgoyne,  who  had  caused 
General  Schuyler's  beautifully  finished  house  to  be  burnt.  In 
fact,  they  behaved  like  persons  of  exalted  minds,  who  deter 
mined  to  bury  ail  recollection  of  their  own  injuries,  in  the  con 
templation  of  our  misfortunes.  General  Burgoyne  was  struck 
with  General  ?chuy!er's  generosity,  and  said  to  him,  "  You 
show  me  great  kindness,  although  I  have  done  you  much  in 
jury."  ""That  was  the  fate  of  war,"  replied  the  brave  man, 
;;  let  us  say  no  more  about  it.r'* 

The  fortunes  of  Lady  Harriet  Ackland  were  not  less  inte 
resting  than  those  of  the  Baroness  de  Reidesel,  just  recited. 
This  ladv,  says  General  Burgoyne  in  his  "  State  of  the  Expedi- 
'  tion  from  Canada,"  had  accompanied  her  husband  to  Canada, 
in  the  beginning  of  the  year  1776.  In  the  course  of  that  cam 
paign,  she  traversed  a  vast  space  of  country,  in  different  ex 
tremities  of  the  season,  and  with  difficulties,  of  which  an  Euro 
pean  traveller  cannot  easily  conceive. 

In  the  opening  of  the  campaign,  in  1777,  she  was  restrained 
from  offering  herself  to  a  share  of  the  fatigue  and  hazard  ex- 
pacted  before  Ticonderoga,  by  the  positive  injunctions  of  her 
husband.  The  day  after  the  conquest  of  the  place  he  was 
badly  wounded,  and  she  crossed  Lake  Champlain  to  join 
him. 

As  soon  as  he  recovered,  Lady  Harriet  proceeded  to  follow 
his  fortunes  through  the  campaign;  and  at  Fort  Edward,  or  at 
the  next  camp,  she  acquired  a  two  wheel  tumbril,  which  had 
been  constructed  by'  the  artificers  of  the  artillery,  something 
similar  to  the  carriage  used  for  the  mail,  upon  the  great  roads 
in  England.  Major  Ackland  commanded  the  British  grena 
diers,  which  were 'attached  to  General  Eraser's  corps;  and  conse 
quently  were  always  the  most  advanced  part  of  the  army. 
They  were  often  so  much  on  the  alert,  that  no  person  slept  out 
of  his  clothes.  One  of  their  temporary  encampments,  a  tent 
in  which  the  major  and  Lady  Harriet  were  asleep,  suddenly 
took  fire.  An  orderly  sergeant  of  grenadiers,  with  great  ha 
zard  of  suffocation,  dragged  out  the  first  person  he  caught  hold 
of.  It  proved  to  be  the  major.  It  happened  that,  in  the  same 
instant,  she  had,  unknowing  what  she  did,  and  perhaps  not 
perfectly  awaked,  providentially  made  her  escape,  by  creeping 
under  the  walls  of  the  teut.  The  first  object  she  saw,  upon 
the  recovery  of  ber  senses,  was  the  major  on  the  other  side, 
and  in  the  same  instant,  again  in  the  fire  in  search  of  her. 
The  serjeant  again  saved  him,  but  not  without  the  major's  be 
ing  very  severely  burnt  in  his  face,  and  different  parts  of  his 

*  Wilkinson's  Memoirs,  from  the  Memoirs  of  the  Baroness  de  Reidesel. 


562  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

body.     Every  thing  they  had  with  them  in  (he  tent  was  con 
sumed. 

This  accident  happened  a  little  time  before  the  army  crossed 
the  Hudson,  13th  Sept.  It  neither  altered  the  resolution  or 
cheerfulness  of  Lady  Harriet ;  and  she  continued  her  progress, 
a  partaker  of  the  fatigues  of  the  advanced  corps.  The  next 
call  upon  her  fortitude  was  of  a  different  nature,  and  more  dis 
tressing-,  as  of  longer  suspense.  On  the  morning  of  the  19th 
of  September,  the  grenadiers  being  liable  to'action  at  every 
step,  she  had  been  directed  by  the  major  to  follow  the  route  of 
the  artillery  and  baggage,  which  were  not  exposed.  At  the 
time  the  action  began,  she  found  herself  near  an  uninhabited 
hut,  where  she  alighted.  When  it  was  found  the  action  wa°. 
becoming  general,  the  surgeon  of  the  hospital  took  possessioft 
of  the  same  place,  as  the  most  convenient  for  the  first  care  of 
the  wounded.  Thus  was  this  lady  in  the  hearing  of  one  con 
tinued  fire  of  cannon  and  musketry  for  four  hours  together, 
with  the  presumption,  from  the  post  of  her  husband,  at  the 
head  of  the  grenadiers,  that  he  was  in  the  most  exposed  part  of 
the  action.  She  had  three  female  companions,  the  Baroness  of 
Reidesel,  and  the  wives  of  two  British  officers,  Major  Harnage 
and  Lieutenant  Reynell ;  but,  in  the  event,  their  presence  serv 
ed  but  little  for  comfort.  Major  Harnage  was  soon  brought  to 
the  surgeon  very  badly  wounded  ;  and  a  little  time  after,  came 
intelligence  that  Lieutenant  Reynell  was  shot  dead.  Imagina 
tion  will  want  no  help  to  figure  the  state  of  the  whole  group. 

From  the  date  of  that  action  to  the  7th  of  October,  Lady 
Harriet,  with  her  usual  serenity,  stood  prepared  for  new  trials; 
and  it  was  her  lot  that  their  severity  increased  with  their  num 
ber.  She  was  again  exposed  to  the  hearing  of  the  whole  ac 
tion,  and,  at  last,  received  the  word  of  her  individual  misfor 
tune,  mixed  with  the  intelligence  of  the  general  calamity  ;  the 
troops  were  defeated,  and  Major  Ackland,  desperately  wounded, 
was  a  prisoner. 

The  day  of  the  8th  was  passed  by  Lady  Harriet  and  her  com 
panions  in  uncommon  anxiety  ;  not  a  tent  nor  a  shed  being 
standing,  except  what  belonged  to  the  hospital,  their  refuge 
was  among1  the  wounded  and  the  dying. 

"  When  the  army  was  upon  the  point  of  moving,  I  received 
a  message  from  Lady  Harrier,  submitting  to  my  decision  a 
proposal,  and  expressing  an  earnest  solicitude  to  execute  it,  if 
not  interfering  with  my  design,  of  passing  to  the  camp  of  the 
enemy,  and  requesting  General  Gates'  permission  to  attend 
her  husband. 

"  Though  I  was  ready  to  believe,  for  I  had  experienced,  that 
patience  and  fortitude  in  a  supreme  degree,  were  to  be  found, 
as  well  as  everv  other  virtue,  under  the  most  tender  forms,  I 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  263 

fas  astonished  at  the  proposal.  After  so  long  an  agitation,  ex 
hausted  not  only  for  want  of  rest,  but  absolutely  want  of  food, 
drenched  in  rain  for  twelve  hours  together,  that  a  woman 
should  be  capable  of  such  an  undertaking,  as  delivering  herself 
to  the  enemy,  probably  iu  the  night,  and  uncertain  of  what 
hands  she  might  first  fall  into,  appeared  an  effort  above  human 
nature.  The  assurance  I  was  enabled  to  give  wa»  small  in 
deed.  I*had  not  even  a  cup  of  wine  to  offer;  but  I  was  told 
she  found  from  some  kind  and  fortunate  hand,  a  little  rum  and 
dirty  water.  All  I  could  furnish  to  her  was  an  open  boat,  and 
a  few  lines,  written  upon  dirty  and  wet  paper,  to  general  Gates, 
recommending  her  to  his  protection." 

This  letter  was  as  follows  : 

SIR, 

Lady  Harriet  Ackland,  a  lady  of  the  first  distinction 
by  family,  rank,  and  personal  virtues,  is  under  such  concern  on 
account  of  Major  Ackland,  her  husband,  wounded  and  a  prison 
er  in  your  hands,  that  I  cannot  refuse  her  request  to  commit  her 
to  your  protection. 

Whatever  general  impropriety  there  may  be  in  persons,  act 
ing  in  your  situation  and  mine,  to  solicit  favours,  I  cannot,  see 
the  uncommon  pre-eminence  in  every  female  grace  and  exalta 
tion  of  character  in  this  lady,  and  her  very  hard  fortune,  with 
out  testifying  that  your  attentions  to  her  will  lay  me  under  obli 
gations. 

Oct.  9,   1777.  l  am'vSif'     K 

,V.  G.  Gate*.  .lour  obedient  servant, 

J.    BURGOY.NE. 

With  this  letter  did  this  woman,  who  was  of  the  most  tender 
and  delicate  frame,  habituated  to  all  the  soft  elegances  and  re 
fined  enjoyments,  that  attend  high  birth  and  fortune,  and  far  ad 
vanced  in  a  state  in  which  the  tenderest  cares,  always  due  to 
the  sex,  become  indispensably  necessary,  in  an  open  boat  leave 
the  camp  of  Burgoyne  with  a  flag  of  truce  for  that  of  the  ene 
my.  The  night  was  advanced  before  the  boat  reached  the 
shore.  Hady  Harriet  was  immediately  conveyed  into  the  apart 
ment  of  Major  Henry  Dearborn,  since  Major  General,  who 
commanded  the  guard  at  that  place,  and  every  attention  was 
paid  her  which  her  rank  and  situation  demanded,  and  which 
circumstances  permitted.  Early  in  the  morning,  she  was  per 
mitted  to  proceed  in  the  boat  to  the  camp,  where  general  Gates, 
whose  gallantry  will  not  bo  denied,  stood  ready  to  receive  her, 
with  due  respect  and  courtesy.  Having  ascertained  that  Major 
Ackland  had  set  out  for  Albany,  Lady  Harriet  proceeded,  by 
permission,  to  join  hisu.  Some  time  after,  Major  Aek!auu  ef- 


264  UNIVERSAL    HISTORY   OF 

fected  his  exchange,  and  returned  to  England.  The  catastro 
phe  of  this  lale  is  affecting.  Ackland,  after  his  return  to  Eng 
land,  procured  a  regiment,  nnd  at  a  dinner  of  military  men, 
where  the  courage  of  the  Americans  was  made  a  question, 
took  the  negative  side  with  his  usual  decision.  He  was  op 
posed,  warmth  ensued,  and  he  gave  the  lie  direct  to  a  Lieute- 
hant  Lloyd,  fought  him,  and  was  shot  through  the  head.  Lady 
Harriet  lost  her  senses,  and  continued  deranged  two*  years  ; 
after  which  she  married  Mr.  Brudenell,  who  accompanied  her 
from  Gen.  Burgoyne's  camp,  when  she  sought  her  wounded 
husband  on  Hudson  river. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

Of  t/ie   Confederation.     Formation  and  adoption  of  the  present 
Constitution  of  the   United  States. 

On  the  12th  of  July.  1777,  articles  of  confederation  and  per 
petual  union  were  drawn  up  by  congress,  and  ratified  by  twelve 
of  the  states  in  the  December  following.  This  instrument  was 
so  imperfect  as  to  be  termed  by  some  "  a  rope  of  sand."  Brit 
tle  as  it  was,  however,  it  carried  the  people  through  a  perilous 
war,  and  what  it  lacked  in  energy,  was  supplied  by  the  spirit  of 
the  times.  But  when  the  plive  branch  of  peace  succeeded  to  the 
clarion  of  war  and  the  din  of  arms — when  private  interest  took 
precedence  of  public  spirit,  and  intrigue  usurped  the  place  of 
national  virtue,  the  wants  of  the  country  called  for  a  more  en 
ergetic  compact,  and  the  cause  of  republican  America  required 
a  more  efficient  safeguard. 

To  effect  this  object,  a  convention  was  proposed,  which  held 
its  session  in  Philadelphia.  In  this  august  body  general  Wash 
ington  had  a  seat,  and  was  chosen  president.  On  the  17th  of 
September,  1787,  the  finishing  hand  was  put  to  the  Constitu 
tion,  which  was  submitted  to  the  different  states,  and  ratified, 
at  first,  but  by  eleven,  North  Carolina  and  Rhode  Island  re 
fusing  their  assent.  The  former  assented  to  it  in  1789,  and 
the  latter  in  1790. 

In  1789,  General  George  Washington  was  elected  first  presi 
dent  of  the  United  States. 

It  was  with  great  reluctance,  that  he  accepted  this  office. 
His  feeling's,  as  he  said  himself,  were  like  those  of  a  culprit, 
going  to  the  place  of  execution.  But  the  voice  of  a  whole 
continent,  the  pressing  recommendation  of  his  particular 
friends,  and  the  apprehension,  thai  he  should  otherwise  be  con- 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  265 

sidered  as  unwilling  to  hazard  his  reputation  in  executing  a 
system,  which  he  had  assisted  in  forming,  determined  him  to 
accept  the  appointment.  In  April  he  left  Mount  Vernon  to 
proceed  to  New  York,  ar  to  enter  on  the  duties  of  his  high 
office.  He  every  where  .  reived  testimonies  of  respect  and 
love.  At  Trenton  the  gentler  sex  regarded  him  for  his  iuc- 
cessful  enterprise,  and  the  protection  which  he  afforded  them 
twelve  Jtears  before.  On  the  bridge  over  the  creek,  which 
passes  through  the  town,  was  erected  a  triumphal  arch,  orna 
mented  with  laurels  and  flowers,  and  supported  by  thirteen 
pillars,  each  encircled  with  wreaths  of  evergreen.  On  the 
front  of  the  arch  was  inscribed,  in  large  gilt  letters, 

THE    DEFENDER    OF    THE    MOTHERS     WILL    BE    THE    PROTECTOR 
OF    THE    DAUGHTERS. 

At  this  place  he  was  met  by  a  party  of  matrons,  leading  their 
daughters,  who  were  dressed  in  white,  and  who,  with  baskets 
of  flowers  in  their  hands,  sung  with  exquisite  sweetness  the  fol 
lowing  ode,  written  for  the  occasion  : — 

Welcome,  mighty  chief,  once  more 
Welcome  to  this  grateful  shore  ; 
Now  no  mercenary  foe 
Aims  again  the  fatal  blow, 
Aims  at  THEE  the  fatal  blow. 

Virgins  fair  and  matrons  grave, 
Those  thy  conquering  arms  did  save, 
Build  for  thee  triumphal  bowers  ; 
Strew,  ye  fair,  his  way  with  flowers, 
Strew  your  HERO'S  way  with  flowers. 

At  the  last  line  the  flowers  were  strewed  before  him.  After 
receiving  such  proofs  of  affectionate  attachment,  he  arrived  at 
New  York,  and  was  inaugurated  first  President  of  the  United 
States  on  the  thirtieth  of  April.  In  making  the  necessary  ar 
rangements  of  his  household  he  publicly  announced,  that  nei 
ther  visits  of  business  nor  of  ceremony  would  be  expected  on 
Sunday,  as  he  wished  to  reserve  that  day  sacredly  to  himself. 

In  an  impressive  address  to  both  houses  of  Congress,  he  de 
clared,  with  characterestic  modesty,  his  "  incapacity  for  the 
mighty  and  untried  cares  before  him,"  and  offered  his  "  fervent 
supplications  to  that  Almighty  Being  whose  providential  aid 
can  supply  every  human  defect,  that  his  benediction  would 
consecrate  to  the  liberties  and  happiness  of  the  people  of  the 
united  States,  a  government  instituted  by  themselves  for  theie 
23 


266  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

essential  purposes  ;  and  would  enable  every  instrument,  em 
ployed  in  its  administration,  to  execute,  with  succes,  the  func 
tions  allotted  to  his  charge." 

At  the  close  of  the  Revolution,  the  people  anticipated  Inde 
pendence  and  peace  ;  but  they  were  somewhat  disappointed  ; 
debts  contracted  during1  the  war  bore  heavily  upon  the  people. 

To  remedy  these  evils,  congress  applied  to  the  states  for  a 
grant  ofthe  power  to  regulate  commerce,  and  to  collect  a  reve 
nue  from  it.  New  York  alone  refused  ;  but  as  unanimity  was 
requisite,  her  single  negative  defeated  the  project.  In  the  mean 
time,  the  distress  increased,  and  in  Massachusetts,  where  it 
was  greatest,  urged  to  insurrection  a  portion  ofthe  inhabitants. 
Near  the  close  ofthe  year  1786,  they  assembled,  to  the  number 
of  two  thousand,  in  the  northwestern  part  of  the  state,  and, 
choosing-  Daniel  Shays  their  leader,  demanded  that  the  col 
lection  of  debts  should  be  suspended,  and  that  the  legislature 
should  authorize  the  emission  of  paper  money  for  general 
circulation. 

Two  bodies  of  militia,  drawn  from  those  parts  of  the  state 
where  disaffection  did  not  prevail,  were  immediately  despatched 
against  them,  one  under  the  command  of  general  Lincoln,  the 
other  of  general  Shepard.  They  were  easily  dispersed  :  and 
afterwards  abandoning  their  seditious  purposes,  accepted  the 
proffered  indemnity  of  the  government. 

It  was  a  question  whether  the  general  Government  should 
be  supported,  or  abandoned,  or  whether  the  object  of  the 
Revolution  should  be  realized  or  lost. 

In  May  1787,  commissioners  were  appointed,  and  assembled 
at  Philadelphia;  George  Washington  was  unanimously  elected 
president.  They  deliberated  with  closed  doors,  and  happily  it 
was  agreed  to  sacrifice  local  interest,  on  the  altar  of  publick 
good. 

An  abstract  of  this  constitution,  with  its  several  subsequent 
amendments,  follows  :  it  is  extracted  from  Mr.  Webster's  Ele 
ments  of  Useful  Knowledge. 

Of  the  Legislature.  "  The  Legislative  power  ofthe  United 
States  is  vested  in  a  congress,  consisting  of  two  houses  or 
branches,  a  senate,  and  a  house  of  representatives.  The  mem 
bers  of  the  house  of  representatives  are  chosen  once  in  two 
years,  by  the  persons  who  are  qualified  to  vote  for  members  of 
the  most  numerous  branches  ofthe  legislature,  in  each  State. 
To  be  entitled  to  a  seat  in  this  house,  a  person  must  have  at 
tained  to  the  age  of  twenty  five  years,  been  a  citizen  of  the 
United  States  for  seven  years,  and  be  an  inhabitant  of  the 
State  in  which  be  is  chosen. 


THE   UNITED  STATES.  -267 

Of  the  Senate.  "  The  senate  consists  of  two  senators  from 
each  State,  chosen  by  the  legislature  for  six  years.  The  Senate 
is  divided  into  three  classes,  the  seat  of  one  of  which  is  vaca 
ted  every  second  year.  If  a  vacancy  happens,  during  the  re 
cess  of  the  legislature,  the  executive  of  tbe  state  makes  a  tem 
porary  appointment  of  a  senator,  until  the  next  meeting  of  the 
legislature.  A  senator  must  have  attained  to  the  age  of  thirty 
years,  been  a  citizen  of  the  United  States  nine  years,  and  be  an 
inhabitant  of  the  State  for  which  he  is  chosen. 

Of  the  powers  of  the  two  Houses.  "  The  house  of  represen 
tatives  choose  their  own  speaker  and  other  officers,  arid  have 
the  exclusive  power  of  impeaching  public  officers,  and  origina 
ting  bills  for  raising  a  revenue.  The  vice  president  of  the 
United  States  is  president  of  the  senate  ;  but  the  other  officers 
are  chosen  by  the  senate.  The  senate  tries  all  impeachments  ; 
each  house  determines  the  validity  of  the  elections  and  qual- 
licatious  of  its  own  members,  forms  its  own  rules,  and  keeps 
a  journal  of  its  proceedings.  The  members  are  privileged 
from  arrest,  while  attending  on  the  session,  going  to,  or  re 
turning  from  the  same,  except  for  treason,  felony,  or  breach  of 
the  peace. 

Of  the  powers  of  Congress.  "  The  congress  of  the  United 
States  have  power  to  make  and  enforce  all  laws,  which  are  ne 
cessary  for  the  genera]  welfare — as  to  lay  and  collect  taxes,  im 
posts,  and  excises;  borrow  money,  regulate  commerce,  esta 
blish  uniform  rules  of  naturalization,  coin  money,  establish  post 
roads  and  post  offices,  promote  the  arts  and  sciences,  institute 
tribunals  inferiour  to  the  supreme  court,  define  and  punish  pira 
cy,  declare  war,  and  make  reprisals,  raise  and  support  armies, 
provide  a  navy,  regulate  the  militia,  and  to  make  all  laws  ne- 
cessarv  10  carry  these  powers  into  effect. 

Of  Restrictions.  "No  bill  of  attainder,  or  retrospective  law, 
shall  be  passed;  the  writ  of  habeas  corpus  c  \nnot  be  suspended, 
except  in  cases  of  rebellion  or  invasion  ;  no  direct  tax  can  be 
laid,  except  according  to  a  census  of  the  inhabitants  ;  no  duty 
can  be  laid  on  exports,  no  money  can  be  drawn  from  the  treas 
ury,  unless  appropriated  by  law  ;  no  title  of  nobility  caa  ba 
granted,  nor  can  any  publick  officer,  without  the  consent  of  con 
gress,  accept  of  any  present  or  title  from  any  foreign  prince  or 
state.  The  states  are  restrained  from  emitting  bills  of  credit, 
from  making  any  thing  but  gold  or  silver  a  tender  for  debts, 
and  from  passing  any  law  impairing  private  contracts. 

Of  the  Executive.  "  The  executive  power  of  the  United 
States  is  vested  in  a  president,  who  holds  his  office  for  four 
years.  To  qualify  a  man  for  president,  he  must  have  been  a 
citizen  at  the  adoption  of  the  constitution,  or  must  be  a  native 
of  the  United  States;  he  must  have  attained  to  the  age  of 


268  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

thirty  five  years,  and  been  fourteen  years  a  resident  within  the 
United  States.  The  president  and  vice  president  are  chosen 
by  electors  designated  in  such  a  manner  as  the  legislature  of 
each  State  shall  direct.  The  number  of  electors,  in  each 
State,  is  equal  to  the  whole  number  of  senators  and  represen 
tatives. 

Of  the  powers  of  the  President.  "  The  president  of  the 
United  States  is  commander  in  chief  of  the  army  and  navy,  and 
of  the  militia  when  in  actual  service.  He  grants  reprieves  and 
pardons  ;  nominates,  and  with  the  consent  of  the  senate,  ap 
points  ambassadors,  judges,  and  other  officers  ;  and,  with  the 
advice  and  consent  of  the  senate,  forms  treaties,  provided  two 
thirds  of  the  senate  agree.  He  fills  vacancies  in  offices  which 
happen  during  the  recess  of  the  senate.  He  convenes  the  con 
gress  on  extraordinary  occasions,  receives  foreign  ministers, 
gives  information  to  congress  of  the  state  of  publick  affairs,  and 
in  general,  takes  care  that  the  laws  be  faithfully  executed. 

Of  the  Judiciary.  "  The  Judiciary  of  the  United  States  con- 
sits  of  one  supreme  court,  and  such  inferiour  courts  as  the  con 
gress  shall  ordain.  The  judges  are  to  hold  their  offices  during 
good  behaviour,  and  their  salaries  cannot  be  diminished  during 
their  continuance  in  office.  The  judicial  power  of  these  courts 
extends  to  all  cases  in  law  and  equity,  arising  under  the  con 
stitution,  or  laws  ofthe  United  States,  and  under  treaties  ;  to 
cases  of  publick  ministers  and  consuls  ;  to  all  cases  of  admiralty 
and  maritime  jurisdiction;  to  controversies  between  the  States, 
and  in  which  the  United  States  are  a  party  :  between  citizens 
of  different  States  ;  between  a  State  and  a  citizen  of  another 
State,  and  between  citizens  ofthe  same  State,  claiming  under 
grants  of  different  States  ;  and  to  causes  between  one  of  the 
States  or  an  American  citizen,  and  a  foreign  State  or  citizen. 

Of  Rights  and  Immunities.  '*  In  all  criminal  trials,  except 
impeachment,  the  trial  by  jury  is  guaranteed  to  the  accused. 
Treason  is  restricted  to  the  simple  acts  of  levying  war  against 
the  United  States,  and  adhering  to  their  enemies,  giving  them 
aid  and  comfort  :  and  no  person  can  be  convicted,  but  by  two 
witnesses  to  the  same,  act  or  by  confession  in  open  court.  A 
conviction  of  treason  is  not  followed  by  a  corruption  of  blood,  to 
disinherit  the  heirs  ofthe  criminal,  nor  by  a  forfeiture  of  es 
tate,  except  during  the  life  of  the  offender.  The  citizens  of 
each  State  are  entitled  to  all  privileges  and  Immunities  of  citi 
zens  in  the  several  States.  Congress  may  admit  new  States 
into  the  union,  and  the  national  compact  guarantees,  to  each 
State,  a  republican  form  of  government,  together  with  protec 
tion  from  foreign  invasion  and  domestic  violence." 

It  has  already  been  stated  that  in  April  1789,  General  Wash- 
inton  took  the  chair  as  the  first  Presidenl  of  the  United  State* 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  269 

Messrs  Jefferson,  Hamilton,  and  general  Knox  appointed  secre 
taries,  and  E  Imnnd  Randolph,  attorney  general. 

The  secretary  of  the  treasury  was  directed  to  prepare  a  plan 
for  the  support  of  public  credit,  and  report  the  same  at  their 
next  meeting. 

After  the  adjournment  of  congress,  the  president  made  a  tour 
through  New  England,  where  he  was  received  by  the  inhab 
itants  with  an  affection  bordering  on  adoration.  People  of  all 
classes  crowded  to  behold  the  man  whose  virtues  and  talents 
exalted  him,  in  their  view,  above  the  heroes  of  ancient  and  mo 
dern  times  ;  and  to  present  to  him  the  undissembled  homage  of 
their  grateful  hearts.  But  to  none  did  his  visit  give  more  ex 
quisite  pleasure  than  to  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  "  patriot 
army,"  who  had  been  his  companions  in  suffering  and  in  victory, 
who  were  endeared  to  him  by  their  bravery  and  fidelity  in  war, 
and  by  the  magnanimity  with  which,  in  peace,  they  endured 
unmerited  neglect  and  poverty. 

At  the  next  session  ofcongress,  which  commenced  in  Janua 
ry,  1790,  Mr.  Hamilton,  the  secretary  of  the  treasury,  made  his 
celebrated  report  upon  the  public  debts  contracted  during 
the  revolutionary  war.  Taking  an  able  and  enlarged  view  of 
the  advantages  of  public  credit,  he  recommended  that,  not  only 
the  debts  of  the  continental  congress,  but  those  of  the  states 
arising1  from  their  exertions  in  the  common  cause,  should  be 
funded  or  assumed  by  the  general  government;  and  that  provi 
sion  should  be  made  for  paying  the  interest,  by  imposing  taxes 
on  certain  articles  of  luxury,  and  on  spirits  distilled  within  the 
country. 

Upon  this  report  an  animated  debate  took  place.  Its  recom 
mendations  were  opposed  by  that  party  who  had  seen,  or 
thought  they  had  seen,  in  the  constitution,  many  features  hos 
tile  to  freedom,  and  who  remembered  that  Mr.  Hamilton, 
when  a  member  of  the  convention,  had  proposed  that  th« 
president  aad  senate  shuuld  be  appointed  to  hold  their  offices 
during  good  behavior.  They  now  expressed  their  fears,  that 
the  assumption  of  these  debts  would  render  the  government 
still  stronger,  by  drawing  around  it  a  numerous  and  powerful 
body  of  public  creditors,  who,  in  all  the  contests,  with  th« 
etatesorthe  people,  would  be  bound,  by  the  strongest  of  all 
ties,  that  of  interest,  to  support  it  whether  right  or  wrong. 
This  party,  existing  principally  in  the  southern  states,  and  pro 
fessing  an  ardent  attachment  to  the  equal  rights  of  man,  took 
the  name  of  republican. 

Mr.  Madison  proposed,  that  whenever  the   public  securities 

had  been  transferred,  the  highest  price  which  they  had   borns 

in  the  market  should  be  paid  to  the  purchaser,  and  the  residue 

to  the  original  holder.     After  aa  eloquent  debate,  this  proposi- 

23* 


270  UNIVERSAL    HISTORY  OF 

tion  was  rejected.  The  party  denominated  federal,  and  exist 
ing  principally  in  the  northern  states,  supported  throughout 
with  great  ability  and  force  of  reasoning,  the  plans  of  the  sec 
retary  ;  but  on  taking  the  vote  in  the  house  of  representatives, 
they  were  rejected  by  a  majority  of  two. 

Afterwards  this  national  measure  was  connected,  as  is  too 
frequently  the  case  in  legislative  bodies,  with  one  which  had 
excited  much  local  feeling.  It  was  understood  that,  should  the 
seat  of  government  be  fixed  for  ten  years  at  Philadelphia,  and 
afterwards  permanently  at  a  place  to  be  selected  on  the  Poto 
mac,  some  southern  members  would  withdraw  their  opposition 
to  the  funding  system.  A  law  to  that  effect  was  accordingly 
enacted.  The  former  discussion  was  then  resumed.  The  plana 
of  the  secretary  were  adopted  in  the  senate,  and  afterwards  in 
the  house,  two  members  representing  districts  on  the  Potomac, 
changing  their  votes.  The  debt  funded  amounted  to  a  little 
more  than  seventy  five  millions  of  dollars  ;  upon  a  part  of  which 
three  per  cent,  and  upon  the  remainder  six  per  cent,  interest 
was  to  be  paid. 

The  effect  of  this  measure  was  great  and  rapid.  The  price 
of  the  public  paper,  which  had  fallen  to  twelve  or  fifteen  cents 
on  the  dollar,  suddenly  rose  to  the  sum  expressed  on  the  face  of 
it.  This  difference  was  gained,  in  most  instances,  by  purchas 
ers  of  the  securities,  who,  feeling  indebted,  for  this  immense 
accession  of  wealth,  to  the  plans  of  the  secretary,  regarded  him 
with  enthusiastic  attachment.  But  in  others,  this  wealth,  sud 
denly  acquired  without  merit,  excited  envy  and  dissatisfaction. 
These  joined  the  republican  party;  who  fancying  they  were 
witnessing  the  fulfilment  of  their  prediction,  became  more  ac 
tive  in  their  opposition. 

The  recommendation  of  the  secretary  to  impose  additional 
duties,  was  not  acted  upon  until  the  next  session  of  congress. 
Those  on  distilled  spirits  were  proposed  in  order  to  render  the 
burdens  of  the  inhabitants  beyond  the  Allegany  mountains, 
where  no  other  spirits  were  consumed,  equal  to  those  of  the  in 
habitants  on  the  sea  coast,  who  consumed  most  of  the  articles 
on  which  an  impost  duty  was  paid.  In  the  beginning  of  the 
year  1791,  they  were  laid  as  proposed.  A  national  bank,  re 
commended  also  by  the  same  officer,  was  in  the  same  year  in 
corporated.  Both  measures  met  a  violent  opposition  from  the 
republican  party. 

When  the  new  government  was  first  organized,  but  eleven 
states  had  ratified  the  constitution.  Afterwards,  North  Caro 
lina  and  Rhode  Island,  the  two  dissenting  states,  adopted  it;  the 
former  in  November,  1789,  the  latter  in  May,  1790.  In  1791, 
Vermont  adopted  it,  and  applied  to  congress  to  be  admitted  in 
to  tbe  union.  Tbe  territory  of  this  state,  situated  between 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  271 

New  Hampshire  and  New  York,  was  claimed  by  both,  and 
both  had  made  grants  of  land  wiihin  its  limits.  In  1777,  the 
inhabitants,  refusing  to  submit  to  either,  declared  themselves 
independent.  Although  not  represented  in  the  continental 
congress,  yet,  during  the  war,  they  embraced  the  cause  of  their 
brethren  in  the  other  states,  and  to  them  their  aid  was  often 
rendered,  and  was  always  efficient.  Agreeably  to  their  re 
quest,  an  act  was  now  passed,  constituting  Vermont  one  of  the 
members  of  the  union.  An  act  was  also  passed,  declaring  that 
the  district  of  Kentucky,  then  apart  of  Virginia,  should  be  ad 
mitted  into  the  union  on  the  first  day  of  June,  in  the  succeeding 
year. 

In  1791,  was  completed  tho  first  census  or  enumeration  of 
the  inhabitants  of  the  United  States.  They  amounted  to  3, 921, 
326,  of  which  number  695,655  were  slaves.  The  revenue,  ac 
cording  to  the  report  of  the  secretary  of  the  treasury,  amounted 
to  4,771,000  dollars,  the  exports  to  about  nineteen,  and  the 
imports  to  about  twenty  millions.  A  great  improvement  in  the 
circumstances  of  the  people  began  at  this  period  to  be  visible. 
The  establishment  of  a  firm  and  regular  government,  and  con 
fidence  in  the  men  whom  they  had  chosen  to  administer  it,  gave 
an  impulse  to  their  exertions  which  bore  them  rapidly  forward 
in  the  career  of  prosperity. 

In  1790,  a  termination  was  put  to  the  war  which,  for  several 
years,  had  raged  between  the  Creek  Indians  and  the  state  of 
Georgia.  Pacific  overtures  were  also  made  to  the  hostile 
tribes  inhabiting  the  banks  of  the  Scioto  and  the  Wabash. 
T:iGse  being  rejected,  an  army  of  1400  men,  commanded  by 
general  Harmer,  was  despatched  against  them.  Two  battles 
were  fought  near  Chilicothe,  in  Ohio,  between  successive  de 
tachments  ftom  this  army  and  the  Indains,  in  which  the  latter 
were  victorious. 

Emboldened  by  these  successes,  they  made  more  vigorous  at 
tacks  upon  the  frontier  settlements,  which  suffered  all  the  dis 
tressing  calamities  of  an  Indian  war.  Additional  troops  were 
raised,  and  the  command  of  the  whole  was  given  to  general  St. 
Clair.  With  near  2000  man,  he  marched,  in  October,  into  the 
wilderness.  By  desertion  and  detachments,  this  force  was  re 
duced  to  fourteen  hundred.  On  the  third  of  November,  they 
encamped  a  few  miles  from  the  villages  on  the  Miami,  intend 
ing  to  remain  there  until  joined  by  those  who  were  absent. 

But  before  sunrise,  the  next  morning,  just  after  the  troops 
were  dismissed  from  the  parade,  they  were  attacked  unexpect 
edly  by  the  Indians.  The  new  levies,  who  were  in  front, 
rushed  back  in  confusion  upon  the  regulars.  These,  who  had 
been  hastily  formed,  were  thrown  into  disorder.  They,  how 
ever,  with  great  intrepidity,  advanced  into  the  midst  of  the  ene/> 


272  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

my,  who  retired  from  covert  to  covert,  keeping  always  beyond 
reach,  and  again  returning  as  soon  as  the  troops  weie  recalled 
from  pursuit.  In  these  charges  many  brave  and  experienced 
officers  were  killed  ;  the  loss  of  men  was  also  great,  and  no  per 
manent  impression  was  made  upon  the  enemy. 

At  length,  after  a  contest  of  three  or  four  hours,  St.  Clair, 
whose  ill  health  disabled  him  from  performing  the  active  duties 
of  commander,  determined  to  withdraw  from  the  field  the  rem 
nant  of  his  troops.  The  instant  that  the  directions  to  retire 
were  given,  a  disorderly  flighi  commenced.  Fortunately  for 
the  survivors,  the  victorious  Indians  were  soon  recalled  from 
pursuit  to  the  camp,  by  their  avidity  for  plunder  ;  and  the  van 
quished  continued  their  retreat  unmolested  to  the  frontier 
settlements. 

In  this  battle,  the  numbers  engaged  on  each  side  were  sup 
posed  to  be  equal.  Of  the  whites,  the  slaughter  was  almost 
beyond  example.  Six  hundred  and  thirty  were  killed  and  mis 
sing,  and  two  hundred  and  sixty  were  wounded — a  loss  which 
proves  at  once  the  obstinacy  of  the  defence,  and  the  bravery  of 
the  assailants.  On  receiving  information  of  this  disaster,  con 
gress,  resolving  to  prosecute  the  war  with  increased  vigor,  made 
provision  for  augmenting,  by  enlistment,  the  military  force  of 
the  nation  to  5000  men. 

In  the  autumn  of  1 792,  general  Washington  was  again  unani 
mously  elected  president  of  the  American  republic.and  in  March, 
1793,  was  inducted  into  office.  Mr.  Adams  was  re-elected  vice- 
president,  in  opposition  to  George  Clinton,  of  New  York.  In 
the  progress  of  these  elections,  but  little  party  feeling  was  ex 
hibited  ;  the  repose  of  society  was  not  disturbed,  but  the  citi 
zens  raised  to  posts  of  the  highest  honor  those  whom  their  judg 
ments  and  affections  designated  as  the  most  worthy. 

Early  in  April,  information  was  received  of  the  declartion  of 
war  by  Fiance,  against  England  and  Holland.  The  United 
States  were  greatly  interested  for  the  success  of  France,  which 
had  assisted  us  during  our  Revolution. 

The  French  people,  at  the  same  time,  regarded  the  Ameri 
cans  as  their  brethren,  bound  to  them  by  the  ties  of  gratitude  ; 
and  when  the  kings  of  Europe,  dreading  the  establishment  of 
republicanism  in  her  borders,  assembled  in  arms  to  restore 
monarchy  to  France,  they  looked  across  the  Atlantic  for  sym 
pathy  and  assistance.  The  new  government,  recalling  the 
minister  whom  the  king  had  appointed,  despatched  the  citizen 
Genet,  of  ardent  temper  and  a  zealous  republican,  to  supply 
his  place.  In  April,  1793,  he  arrived  at  Charleston,  in  South- 
Carolina,  where  he  was  received,  by  the  governor  and  the  citi 
zens,  in  a  manner  expressive  of  their  warm  attachment  to  hi* 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  273 

country,  and  their  cordial  approbation  of  the  change  in  her 
institutions. 

Flattered  by  his  reception,  and  presuming  that  the  nation  and 
the  government  were  actuated  by  similar  feelings,  he  assumed 
the  authority  of  expediting  privateers  from  that  port  to  cruise 
against  the  vessels  of  nations  who  were  enemies  to  France, 
hut  at  peace  with  the  United  States,  a  procedure  forbidden  by 
the  laws  of  nations,  and  derogatory  to  the  govern ;nent  of  the 
country.  Notwithstanding  this  illegal  assumption  of  power, 
he  received,  on  his  journey  to  Philadelphia,  extravagant  marks 
of  public  attachment :  and,  on  his  arrival  there,  "crowds  flock 
ed  from  every  avenue  of  the  city  to  meet  the  republican  am 
bassador  of  an  allied  nation."  Intoxicated  by  these  continued 
and  increased  demonstrations  of  regard,  he  persisted  in  form 
ing  and  executing  schemes  of  hostility  against  the  enemies  of 
France. 

Mr.  Hammond,  and  the  American  cabinet  disapproved  of  these 
proceedings,  and  laid  them  before  the  President,  who  appealed 
to  the  French  government,  and  they  resolved  that  Genet  should 
be  succeeded  by  Mr.  Fauchet,  and  Mr.  Monroe  was  sent  out  to 
France  to  succeed  Mr.  Morris.  The  first  day  of  January, 1794, 
Mr.  Jefferson,  the  secretary,  resigned,  and  was  succeeded  by 
Edmund  Randolph. 

Ever  since  the  peace  of  1783,  the  United  States  and  Great 
Britain  complained  of  each  other  as  violating  the  stipulation 
contained  in  the  treaty.  The  latter  was  accused  of  carrying 
away  negroes,  and  the  former  for  preventing  the  loyalists  from 
regaining  possession  of  their  estates,  and  British  subjects  from 
recovering  the  debts  contracted  before  the  commencement  of 
hostilities.  Mr.  John  Jay,  was  appointed  envoy  extraordinary 
to  the  court  of  Great  Britain,  and  succeeded  io  negotiating  a 
treaty  with  the  court  of  St.  James,  in  June  1795. 

Mr.  Hamilton  retired  from  the  office  of  secretary,  and  was 
succeeded  by  Oliver  Wolcott,  of  Connecticut. 

As  the  time  for  a  new  election  for  president  approached, 
Washington  signified  his  intention  to  retire  from  publick  life, 
and  published  at  the  same  time  his  farewell  address. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

Adams'  Administration. 

In  February,  1797,  John  Adams  was  declared  to  be  elected 
president  for  the  term  of  four  years,  commencing  4th  of  March, 


274  UNIVB-RSAL  HISTORY  OP 

and  Mr.  Jefferson  vice  president.  Washington  retired  to 
Mount  Vernon,  having  established  his  fame  as  the  greatest 
hero,  and  most  distinguished  statesman  of  the  age.  He  there 
devoted  his  time  to  the  cultivation  of  an  extensive  farm,  and 
to  the  enjoyment,  once  more,  of  the  sweets  of  private  life. 

March  4th,  Mr.  Adarns  entered  upon  the  duties  of  his  office. 
The  numerous  tribes  of  Indians  on  the  western  territories, 
had  been  taught  by  arms  and  justice,  to  respect  the  United 
States,  and  continue  at  peace.  Treaties  had  been  formed  with 
Algiers  and  Tripoli,  so  that  the  Mediterranean  was  opened  to 
American  vessels. 

The  administration  of  Mr.  Adams,  wag  met  at  the  threshold, 
by  open  indignity  on  the  part  of  France,  in  her  refusing  to  ac 
cept  Mr.  Pinckney  in  exchange  for  Mr.  Monroe.  This  refusal 
roused  the  sensibilities  of  Mr.  Adams,  and  he  immediately  no- 
mio'ated  two  others,  Mr.  Marshall  and  Mr.  Gerry,  who  were 
sent  out  to  France,  toco-operate  with  Mr.  Pinckney,  if  possible, 
to  settle  an  accommodation  with  the  directory. 

To  command  the  armies  of  the  United  States,  president 
Adams,  with  the  unanimous  advice  of  the  Senate,  appointed 
George  Washington.  He  consented,  but  with  great  reluctance, 
to  accept  the  office,  declaring,  however,  that  he  cordially  ap 
proved  the  measures  of  the  government. 

No  opportunity  was  presented  of  testing  the  courage  and 
skill  of  the  American  troops.  At  sea,  a  desperate  action  was 
fought  between  the  frigate  Constellation,  of  3'8  guns,  commanded 
by  commodore  Truxton,  and  the  French  frigate  L'Insurgente, 
of  40  guns.  The  latter,  although  of  superior  force,  was  cap 
tured.  The  same  intrepid  officer,  in  a  subsequent  action,  com 
pelled  another  French  frigate  of  50  guns,  to  strike  her  colors, 
but  she  afterwards  escaped  in  the  night. 

The  United  States,  in  arms  at  home,  and  victorious  on  the 
ocean,  commanded  the  respect  of  their  enemy.  The  directory 
made  overtures  of  peace.  The  president  immediately  appoint 
ed  ministers,  who,  on  their  arrival  at  Paris,  found  the  executive 
authority  in  the  possession  of  Bonaparte  as  first  consul.  They 
were  promptly  accredited,  and  in  September,  1800,  a  treaty 
was  concluded  satisfactory  to  both  countries. 

While  this  negotiation  was  in  progress,  the  whole  American 
people  were  o?ershadowed  with  gloom,  by  the  sudden  death  of 
the  Father  of  his  country.  On  the  14th  of  December,  1799, 
after  an  illness  of  one  day  only,  general  Washington  expired. 
Intelligence  of  this  event,  as  it  rapidly  spread,  produced  sponta 
neous,  deep,  and  unaffected  grief,  suspending  every  other 
thought,  and  absorbing  every  different  feeling. 

Congress,  then  in  session  at  Philadelphia,  immediately  ad 
journed.  Oa  assembling  the  next  day,  the  house  of  represent 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  275 

latives  resolved,  "  that  the  speaker's  chair  should  be  shrouded 
in  black,  and  the  member:?  wear  black  during  the  session  ;  and 
that  a  joint  committee  should  be  appointed  to  devise  the  most 
suitable  manner  of  paying  honor  to'the  memory  of  the  MAX 
first  in  war,  first  in  peace,  and  first  in  the  hearts  of  his  coun 
trymen." 

The  senate,  on  this  melancholy  occasion,  addressed  a  letter 
of  condolence  to  the  president  of  the  United  States.  "  This 
event,'1  they  observe,  "  so  distressing  to  all  our  fellow  citizens, 
must  be  particularly  heavy  to  you,  who  have  long  been  associ 
ated  with  him  in  deeds  of  patriotism.  Permit  us.  sir,  to  min 
gle  our  tears  with  yours.  On  this  occasion  it  is  manly  to 
weep.  To  lose  such  a  man,  at  such  a  crisis,  is  no  common 
calamity  to  the  world.  Our  country  mourns  a  father.  The 
Almighty  Disposer  of  human  events"  has  taken  from  us  our' 
greatest  benefactor  and  ornament.  It  becomes  us  to  submit 
with  reverence  to  HIM  who  maketh  darkness  his  pavilion. 

•*  With  patriotic  pride  we  review  the  life  of  our  WASH 
INGTON,  and  compare  him  with  those  of  other  countries  who 
have  been  pre-eminent  in  fame.  Ancient  and  modern  names 
are  diminished  before  him.  Greatness  and  guilt  have  too  often 
been  allied;  but  his  fame  is  whiter  than  it  is  brilliant.  The 
destroyers  of  nations  stood  abashed  at  the  majesty  of  his  vir 
tues.  It  reproved  the  intemperance  of  their  ambition,  and 
darkened  the  splendor  of  victory. 

"Such  was  the  man  whom  we  deplore.  Thanks  to  God,  his 
glory  is  consummated.  Washington  yet  lives  on  earth  in  his 
spotless  example — his  spirit  is  in  heaven.  Let  his  countrymen 
consecrate  the  memory  of  tbe  heroic  general,  the  patriotic 
statesman,  and  the  virtuous  sage  :  let  them  teach  their  children 
never  to  forget  that  the  fruits  of  his  labors,  and  of  his  example, 
are  their  inheritance." 

Agreeably  to  the  report  of  the  committee,  and  the  unanimous 
resolves  of  congress,  a  funeral  procession  moved  from  the  legis 
lative  hall  to  the  German  Lutheran  Church,  where  an  oration 
was  delivered  by  General  Lee,  a  representative  from  Virginia. 
The  procession  was  grand  and  solemn,  the  oration  impressivo 
and  eloquent.  Throughout  the  union  similar  marks  of  afflic 
tion  were  exhibited.  A  whole  bereaved  people  appeared  in 
mourning-.  In  every  part  of  the  republic,  funeral  orations  were 
delivered,  and  the  best  talents  of  the  nation  were  devoted  to  an 
expression  of  the  nation's  grief. 

In  1800,  Congress  removed  from  Philadelphia  to  a  place 
which  had  been  previously  selected;  and  public  buildings  were 
erected  on  the  Potomac,  a  few  miles  above  Mount  Vernon,  to 
which  the  name  of  Washington  \vas  given,  and  congress  com- 


276  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

menced  its  session  for  the  first  time  at  this  place  in  Novem 
ber. 

President  Adams'  first  term  was  drawing  nigh  to  a  close, 
and  the  people  were  to  give  their  votes  for  the  next  president. 

The  federalists  supported  Mr.  Adams,  and  general  Pinck- 
ney  ;  the  republicans,  Mr.  Jefferson  and  Colonel  Burr. 

The.strife  of  the  two  parties  during  the  time  of  electioneering, 
was  spirited,  Mr.  Jefferson  and  Mr.  Burr  received  a  very  small 
majority,  and  their  votes  were  equal,  each  having  73.  The 
house  of  representative  was  called  to  make  a  decision.  After 
thirty  five  trials,  Mr.  Jefferson  was  chosen  president,  and  Mr. 
Burr  vice-president.  At  this  period,  the  population  amounted 
to  5,319,763,  having  increased  about  one  million  four  hundred 
thousand,  in  ten  years. 

Mr  Jefferson  entered  upon  the  duty  of  president,  March  4th, 
1801.  Mr.  Jefferson  took  a  bold  and  decided  stand,  as  may  be 
seen  by  the  following  extract  from  his  message : 

"  Equal  and  exact  justice  to  all  men,  of  whatever  state  or 
persuasion,  religious  or  political: — peace,  commerce,  and  ho 
nest  friendship,  with  all  nations,  entangling  alliances  with  none  : 
The  support  of  the  state  governments  in  all  their  rights,  as  the 
most  competent  administration  for  our  domestick  concerns, 
and  the  surest  bulwarks  against  anti-republican  tendencies  : — 
the  preservation  of  the  general  government  in  its  whole  con 
stitutional  vigour,  as  the  sheet  anchor  of  our  peace  at  home, 
and  safety  abroad  : — a  jealous  care  of  the  right  of  election  by 
the  people,  a  mild  and  safe  corrective  of  abuses  which  are  lop 
ped  by  the  sword  of  revolution  where  peaceable  remedies  are 
unprovided  : — absolute  acquiescence  in  the  decisions  of  the 
majority,  the  vital  principle  of  republics,  from  which  is  no  ap 
peal  but  to  force,  the  vital  principle  and  immediate  parent  of 
despotisms: — a  well  disciplined  militia,  our  best  reliance  in 
peace,  and  for  the  first  moments  of  war,  till  regulars  may  re 
lieve  them  :  the  supremacy  of  the  civil  over  the  military  au 
thority  : — economy  in  the  public  expense,  that  labor  may  be 
lightly  burthened. 

The  honest  payment  of  our  debts,  and  sacred  preservation  of 
the  public  faith:  encouragement  of  agriculture,  and  of  com 
merce  as  its  hand-maid :  the  diffusion  of  information,  and  ar 
raignment  of  all  abuses  at  the  bar  of  public  reason  : — freedom 
of  religion  :  freedom  of  the  press  ;  and  freedom  of  person,  under 
the  protection  of  the  habeas  coipus  : — and  trial  by  juries  im 
partially  Felected." — "These  principles,"  added  Mr.  Jefferson, 
"•  should  be  the  creed  of  our  political  faith — and  should  we 
wander  from  them  in  moments  of  errour  or  of  alarm,  let  us 
hasten  to  retrace  our  steps,  and  to  regain  the  road  which  alone 
leads  to  peace,  liberty  and  safety." 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  277 

1»  1803,  Ohio  was  admitted  as  an  independent  state  into  the 
union.  It  derived  its  name  from  the  river  Ohio,  which  sweeps 
the  southern  border  of  the  stale.  Louisiana  was  purchased  by 
the  United  States,  in  April,  1803,for  the  sum  of  fifteen  millions 
of  dollars. 

The  Tripolitan  cruisers  continued  to  harass  the  vessels  of 
the  United  States,  and  congress  determined  to  act  with  greater 
vigor  against  them.  Accordingly,  a  squadron  was  fitted  out 
and  the  command  given  to  commodore  Preble.  On  arriving 
before  Tripoli,  captain  Bainbridge,  in  the  frigale  Philadelphia, 
of  4i  guns,  was  sent  into  the  harbor  to  reconnoitre.  While  in 
eager  pursuit  of  a  small  vessel,  ke  unfortunately  advanced  <o 
far  that  the  frigate  grounded,  and  all  attempts  to  remove  her 
were  in  vain.  The  sea  around  her  was  immmediately  covered 
with  Tripolifan  gun-bents,  and  captain  Bainbridge  was  com 
pelled  to  surrender.  The  officers  were  considered  as  prisonois 
of  war  ;  but  the  crew,  according  to  the  custom  of  Oarbarv, 
were  treated  as  slaves. 

At  the  capture  of  this  frigate,  the  enemy  rejoiced  and  exult 
ed  beyond  measure.  Lieutenant  Stephen  Decatur  conceived 
the  design  of  retaking  or  destroying  her.  Cou  rnodore  Pre'ole, 
applauding  the  spirit  of  the  youthful  hero,  gnnU'ci  him  per 
mission  to  make  the  attempt.  In'February,  l';04,  he  sailed 
from  Syracuse,  in  a  small  schooner,  having  on  board  but  seven 
ty-six  men,  entered  undiscovered  the  harbour  of  Tripoli,  and 
advancing  boldly  took  a  station  alongside  the  frigate.  Per 
ceiving  the  crew  in  consternation,  Decatur  sprang  on  board, 
his  men  followed,  and  with  drawn  swords  rushed  upon  the  ene 
my.  The  decks  were  soon  cleared,  some  being  killed,  and 
others  driven  into  the  sea. 

A  heavy  cannonade  upon  the  frigate,  from  the  batteries  o;; 
shore  and  the  corsairs  near,  was  now  commenced,  and  sev. on,; 
vessels  of  war  were  seen  approaching.  She  was  set  on  fire 
and  abandoned,  none  of  the  paily  being  killed  and  but  four 
wounded.  Throughout  all  the  piratical  states,  this  brilliant 
exploit  exalted  the  reputation  of  the  American  arms.  The 
president,  in  reward  of  his  address  and  bravery,  promoted  lieu 
tenant  Decatur  to  the  rank  of  post-captain  ia  the  navv. 

The  Bashaw,  who  ftight  well  be  compared  to  the  toad  v,  h-ch 
wished  to  swell  itself  to  the  size  of  the  ox,  reposed  in  fancied 
security.  He  cast  a  malignant  glance  at  the  little  squadron  m 
which  Decatur  was  one  of  the  distinguished  leaders.  He  -a\\7 
in  the  bay  spreading  before  his  city,  his  batteries,  and  his  cas 
tles,  a  noble  American  frigate,  (the  Philadelphia,)  and  the  pride 
of  the  American  navy — upon  which  the  l*  star-spangled  ban 
ner"  once  triumphantly  waved,  now  added  to  his  naval  force; 
manned  by  a  double  crew  of  Tripolitans,  and  with  the  T.. 
24 


27*  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

crescent  waving  on  its  mast.  He  saw  its  once  gallant  erew/ 
miserable  slaves  in  his  own  gloomy  dungeons;  and,  in  anticipa 
tion,  feasted  his  cannibal  appetite  upon  all  the  victims  which 
the  American  squadron  could  add  to  his  list  of  Christian 
slaves. 

The  American  squadron  obliged  the  Bashaw  to  smell  their 
powder,  and  taste  their  lead  so  frequently,  that  he  was  obliged 
to  offer  favourable  terms  of  peace,  which  were  accepted,  and 
the  war  in  the  Mediterranean  ended^ 

hi  .Tune,  1804,  Colonel  Burr  challenged  Mr.  Hamilton  to 
settle  some  trifling  offence  by  a  duel,  in  which  the  latter  waa 
killed. 

This  year  Mr.  Jefferson  was  re-elected  president,  and  George 
Clinton  vice-preeident;  and  their  term  of  office  commenced  in 
March,  1005.  This  year  Michigan  became  a  government  of 
the  United  States,  and  General  Hall  were  appointed  by  Mr. 
Jefferson  the  first  governor. 

Burr,  notwithstanding  his  brilliant  talents,  now  sunk,  for  a 
time,  into  merited  obscurity.  His  future  conduct  showed, 
however,  that,  while  unobserved  by  his  fellow  citisens,  he  had 
not  been  idle,  in  the  autumn  of  1806,  his  movements  in  the 
western  country  attracted  the  notice  of  government.  He  had 
purchased  and  was  building  boats  on  the  Ohio,  and  engaging 
men  to  descend  that  river.  His  declared  purpose  was  to  form 
a  settlement  on  t,he  banks  of  the  Washita,  in  Louisiana  ;  but 
the  character  of  the  man,  the  nature  of  his  preparations,'  and 
the  incautious  disclosures  of  his  associates,  led  to  the  suspicion 
that  his  true  object  was  either  to  gain  possession  of  New- 
Orleans,  and  erect  into  a  separate  government  the  country 
watered  by  the  Mississippi  and  its  branches,  or  to  invade,  from 
the  territories  of  the  United  States,  the  rich  Spanish  province 
of  Mexico. 

From  the  first  moment  of  suspicion,  he  was  closely  watched 
by  the  agents  of  the  government.  At  Natchez,  while  on  his 
way  to  New  Orleans,  he  was  cited  to  appear  before  the  su 
preme  court  of  the  Mississippi  Territory.  But  he  had  so  en 
veloped  his  projects  in  secrecy,  that  sufficient  evidence  to  con 
vict  him  could  not  be  produced,  and  he  was  discharged.  Hear 
ing,  however,  that  several  persons,  suspected  of  being  hia  ac 
complices,  had  been  arrested  at  New  Orleans  and  elsewhere, 
he  fled  in  disguise  from  Natchez,  was  apprehended  on  the 
Tombigbee,  and  conveyed  a  prisoner  to  Richmond.  Two  in 
dictments  were  found  against  him,  one  charging  him  with  trea 
son  against  the  United  States,  the  other  with  preparing  and 
commencing  an  expedition  against  the  dominions  of  Spain. 

hi  August,  1807,  he  was  "tried,  upon  those  indictments,  be 
fore  John  Marshall,  the  chief  justice  of  the  United  States. 


THE  UNITED  STATES,  579 

Full  evidence  of  his  guilt  not  being  exhibited,  he  was  acquit 
ted  by  the  jury.  The  people,  however,  believed  him  guilty  ; 
and  by  their  desertion  and  contempt,  he  was  reduced  to  a  con 
dition  of  the  most  abject  wretchedness.  The  ease  with  which 
his  plans  were  defeated,  demonstrated  the  strength  of  the  go 
vernment,  and  his  fate  will  ever  be  an  impressive  warning  to 
those  who,  in  a  free  country,  listen  to  the  suggestions  of  crimi 
nal  ambition. 

In  June,  1807,  an  event  occurred,  which  for  a  time  concen 
trated  upon  one  of  the  several  nations,  the  whole  weight  of 
popular  indignation. 

On  the  22d  of  June,  the  Chesapeake  weighed  anchor  and 
proceeded  to  sea.  She  passed  the  British  ships  Bellona  and 
Melampus,  lying  in  Lynnhaven  bay,  whose  appearance  wan 
friendly.  There  were  two  other  ships  that  lay  off  Cape  Henry, 
one  of  which,  the  Leopard,  Captain  Humphreys),  weighed  an 
chor,  and  in  a  few  hours  came  along1  side  the  Chesapeake. 

A  British  officer  immediately  came  on  board,  and  demanded 
the  deserters.  To  this,  Captain  Barren  replied,  that  he  did 
not  know  of  any  being  there,  and  that  his  duty  forbade  him 
to  allow  of  any  muster  of  his  crew,  except  by  their  own  of 
ficers. 

During  this  interview,  Barron  noticed  some  proceedings  of  a 
hostile  nature  on  board  the  adverse  ship,  but  he  could  not  be 
persuaded  that  any  thing  but  menace  was  intended  by  thejn. 
After  the  British  officer  departed,  he  gavo  orders  to  clear  his 
gun  deck,  and  after  some  time,  he  directed  his  men  to  their 
quarters,  secretly,  and  without  beat  of  drum  :  still,  however, 
without  any  serious  apprehensions  of  an  attack. 

Before  these  orders  could  be  executed,  the  Leopard  com 
menced  a  heavy  fire.  This  fire  unfortunately  was  very  des 
tructive.  In  about  thirty  minutes,  the  hull,  rigging,  and  spars 
of  the  Chesapeake  were  greatly  damaged,  three  men  were 
killed  and  sixtoen  wounded ;  among  the  latter  was  the  cap 
tain  himself.  Such  was  the  previous  disorder,  that  during  this 
time,  the  utmost  exertions  were  insufficient  to  prepare  the 
Bhip  for  action,  and  the  captain  thought  proper  to  strike  his 
colours. 

The  British  captain  refused  to  accept  the  surrender  of  the 
Chesapeake,  but  took  from  her  crew,  Ware,  Martin,  and 
Strachan,  the  three  men  formerly  demanded  as  deserters,  and 
a  fourth,  John  Wilson,  claimed  as  a  runaway  from  a  mer- 
cimnt  ship. 

This  insolent  attack  upon  a  national  ship, — this  wanton  ex 
ercise  of  a  claim  derogatory  to  national  honor, —  aroused  the 
spirit  of  the  republic.  The  distinctions  of  party  were  forgotten, 
numerous  meetings  of  the  citizens  were  held,  and  all  concurred 


580  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

in  the  expression  of  a  determination  to  support  the  government 
of  their  country  in  its  efforts  to  obtain,  whether  by  negotiation 
or  war,  satisfaction  for  this  insulting  outrage. 

The  president,  by  proclamation,  prohibited  all  British  ships 
of  war  from  continuing-  in  or  entering  the  harbours  </f  the 
United  States.  He  senT  instructions  to  the  minister  at  London 
to  demand  satisfaction  for  the  insult,  and  security  against  future 
aggression.  He  summoned  congress  to  meet  and  decide  what 
further  measures  should  be  adopted.  The  British  government 
promptly  disavowing  the  act  of  its  officer,  the  hostile  feelings 
which  had  been  excited  began  to  subside;  but  delaying  to  ren 
der  satisfaction,  and  refuting  to  adopt  adequate  measures  to 
prevent  a  continuance  of  aggression,  they  were  not  extinguish 
ed  nor  op peaked. 

On  the  6th  of  November  following,  the  empsror  Napoleon 
issued  his  Berlin  decree,  which  declared  all  the  British  isles  in 
a  state  of  blockade.  This  decree  was  in  direct  violation  of  the 
treaty  between  France  and  the  United  States,  as  well  as  of 
the  law  of  nations. 

On  the  7th  of  January,  1307,  the  British  government  met 
this  decree  by  an  order  in  council,  declaring  "  all  vessels  coast 
ing  from  one  port  to  another  on  the  coast  of  France,  or  that,  of 
her  allies,  liable  to  seizure  and  condemnation." 

On  the  llth  of  November,  Great  Britain  repeated  her  or 
ders  in  council,  by  way  of  retaliation  upon  the  French  decrees, 
11  declaring  all  nations  at  war  with  Great  Britain,  and  all  ports 
from  which  the  British  flag  is  excluded,  to  be  under  the  same 
restrictions  in  point  of  trade  and  navigation,  as  if  the  same 
were  in  a  state  of  blockade." 

To  retaliate  upon  Great  Britain  for  her  orders  in  council, 
the  French  emperor  issued  his  Milan  decree,  declaring  "  all 
vessels  denationalized,  which  shall  have  submitted  to  a  search 
from  a  British  ship,  and  every  vessel  a  good  prize,  which  shall 
sail  to  or  from  Great  Britain,  or  any  of  her  colonies  or  coun 
tries  occupied  by  British  troops,"  December  17th,  1807. 

On  the  22d,  congress  laid  an  indefinite  embargo. 

Thus  balanced,  America  began  to  feel  more  immediately,  the 
convulsions  of  Europe,  and  to  find  herself  involved  in  the 
contest.  One  grand  system  of  incrigue  ROW  pervaded  all 
Christendom,  and  paved  the  way  for  the  calamities  that  fol 
lowed. 

Mr.  Jefferson  being  desirous  of  confirming  the  example  of 
Washington,  declined  a  re-election.  James  Madison  was 
elected  president,  and  George  Clinton  re-elected  vice-president, 
March,  1809. 

Great  Britain  continued  to  violate  the  laws  of  peace.  She 
had  ships  of  war  stationed  before  the  principal  harbours  of  the 


THE    UMTED  STATES.  !28i 

l.Vited  States.     American  mere'), in  (men  were  boarded,  search 
ed,  and  many  of  ihem  s:-nt  to  British  ports  as  legal  prizes. 

Commodore  Ro<]gers,  commanding  the  frigate  president,  was 
fired  upon  by  the  British  sloop  of  war  Little  Beir,  of  18  guns  ; 
but  the  President  being  a  superior  force,  the  Little  Belt  was 
soonxsilenced  wii'.i  considerable  loss. 

Congress,  in  November  1811,  pissed  a  law  to  increase  the 
regular  army  to  35  030  men :  empowered  the  president  to  ac 
cept  the  services  of  volunteers, -and  to  borrow  eleven  thousand 
dollars. 

Congress  con'.inueJ  to  ;nake  preparations  for  war,  yet  stii. 
c'lerislTinnr  the  hope,  that  a  change  cf  policy  in  Europe  would 
render  unnecessary  an  appeal  to  arms.  On  the  20th  of  May, 
101  2,  th.*  H  jrner  arrived.  tVn  n  London,  bringing  information 
that  no  prosooct  existed  of  a  favourable  change.  On  the  first 
of  June,  the  question  in  congress  was,  whether  they  should 
continue  to  endure  their  wrong-,  oc  resort  to  arms. 

The  British  government  had  been  told  in  plain  terms,  that 
if  they  continued  to  drnir  the  American  seamen  from  their 
is'uios,  and  rob  the  vessel^  uf  their  Broods,  wr-;  wi.'ukl  be  inevita 
ble. 

Congress,  after  sitting  a  number  of  days  with  closed  doors, 
declared  war  against  Great  Britain,  on  the  13th  day  cf  June, 
1C  1-2;  and  on  the  following  day,. war  was  publickly  proclaimed. 
The  president  was  authorised  to  receive  50,000  volunteers, 
nnd  to  C'lll  out  one  hundred  thousand  militia.  Governor  Hull, 
at  the  head  of  about  two  thousand  men,  was  on  his  march  to 
Detroit,  with  a  view  of  pulling  an  end  to  the  Indian  hos 
tilities.  \v':en  i:e  received  iril'-.n'jation  of  the  declaration  of 
war.  This  li  tie  nraiy  HI  inched  to  Spring  Wells.  w;thin  a  few 
iniles  .pf  Detroit,  July  fifth,  th.-re  they  l|ad  f)i\\^  small  skir- 
sn;.sli--3  with  the  Indian-,  bat  soort  Compelled  them  t>o  retire: 
and  !I;:11  proceeded  wi'hout  molestation  to  Bandwjch.  Here 
he  was  mef,  by  a  superior  force,  ujvJer  the  command  of  Gene 
ral  C-'-oek.  General  Hull  hastened  bock  to  Detroit. 

On  the  14<h.,  the  British  took  a  position  opposite  to  Detroit, 
and  erected  batteries.  The  next  day,  they  began  a  cannon 
ade  upon  the  American  fortification,  which  was  rutusned  with 
precision  and  effect.  On  the  iGth,  the  enemy  crossed  the  river, 
taking  post  sb'.uit  three  miles  above  the  town,  and  advanced 
(owtt"ds  the  fori  in  close  columns,  twelve  deep.  The  hearts  of 
our  soldiers  now  beat  high  at  their  approach,  expecting  to  re 
gain  their  credit.  But  who  can  describe  the  chagrin  and  morti 
fication  which  took  possession  of  these  troops. 

At  the  very  moment  the  destruction  of  the  enemy  was  cer 
tain, — orders  were  given  not  to  fire.  The  troops  were  ordered 
to  stack  their  arms,  and  to  the  astonish-menl  of  all,  a  white  Hag. 


582  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

>n  token  of  submission,  was  suspended  from  the  walls.  Words 
are  wanting  to  express  the  feelings  of  the  Americans  on  this 
occasion  ;  they  considered  themselves  basely  betrayed,  in  thu< 
surrendering  to  an  inferior  force,  without  firing-,  a  gun,  when 
they  were  firmly  convinced  the  enemy  weie  in  their  power. 
General  Hull  was  exchanged  fur  thirty  British  prisoners, 
brought  before  a  court  martial,  charged  with  treason,  coward 
ice,  and  unofficer  like  conduct ;  was  sentenced  to  death.  The 
sentence  was  remitted  by  the  president,  but  his  name  was  or 
dered  to  be  struck  from  the  rolls  of  the  army.  While  the  na 
tion  was  overspread  with  gloom  inconsequence  of  this  disaster, 
they  were  suddenly  consoled  in  the  most  pleasing  manner.  A 
new  and  glorious  era  burst  upon  our  country,  and  upon*  the 
world. 

At  the  moment  of  the  declaration  of  war,  a  squadron  under 
commodore  Rogers,  had  rendezvoused  under  the  order  of  the 
government,  off"  Sandy  Hook,  consisting  of  the  frigates  Presi 
dent,  Congress,  United  States,  and  the  brig  Hornet.  On  the 
Slst  of  June  they  put  to  sea,  in  pursuit  of  a  British  squadron, 
which  had  sailed  as  the  convoy  of  the  West  India  fleet,  the 
preceding  month.  While  thus  engaged,  the  British  frigate 
Belvidera  was  discovered,  to  \vhicli  they  instantly  gave  chase. 
The  chase  was  continued  from  early  in  the  morning  until  patt 
four  in  the  afternoon,  when  the  President,  outsailing  the  other 
vessels,  had  come  within  gun  shot,  the  opened  a  fire  with  her 
bow  gruns,  intending  to  cripple  the  Belvidera,  which  returned 
it  with  her  stern  chasers.  The  firing  was  kept  up  for  ten  min 
utes,  when  one  of  the  guns  of  the  President  burst,  killed  and 
wounded  sixteen  men,  and  fractured  the  leg  of  the  commodore.. 
By  this  accident,  and  the  explosion  of  the  passing  box,  the 
decks  were  so  much  shattered,  as  to  render  the  gui.e  on  that 
tide  useless.  The  ship  was  then  put  about,  and  a  broadside 
fired,  but  without  the  desired  effect,  though  considerable  injury 
was  done  the  Belvidera.  This  vessel  having  thrown  overboard 
every  thing  she  could  span;,  now  gained  ground.  The  chase 
waa  continued  until  eleven  o'clock  at  night,  before  it  was 
deemed  hopefess.  The  squadron  then  continued  in  pursuit  of 
the  convoy,  which  it  did  not  give  over  until  within  sight  of  the 
British  channel  :  then  stood  for  the  islaiid  of  Maderia,  and 
thence  passing  the  Azores,  stood  for  Newfoundland,  and 
thence  by  Cape  Sable,  arrived  at  Boston  the  30th  of  August, 
having  made  prize  of  several  British  vessels  ;  but  owing  19  the 
haziness  of  the  weather,  they  were  less  successful  than  might 
have  been  expected. 

The  frigate  Essex  went  to  sea  from  New  York,  on  the  third 
of  July  ;  the  Constitution  sailed  from-  the  Chesapeake  on  the 
twelfth  ;  the  brigs  Nautilus,  and  Vixen,  were  at  the  same  ticn* 


THE  UNITED   STATES.  533 

cruising  off  tho  coast ;  the  sloop  of  war  Wasp  was  at  sea  oa 
her  return  from  Prance. 

The  Constitution,  Capt.  Hull,  had  sailed  from  Annapolis  on 
tiie  5th  of  July.  On  the  morning  ofthe  17th,  offEgg  Harbourr 
she  was  chased  hya  ship  ofthe  line,  the  Africa,  and  the  frigates 
Shannon,  Guerriere,  Belvidera.  and  ^Eolus.  These  vessels  were 
approaching  rapidly,  with  a  fine  breeze,  while  it  was  nearly  a 
calm  about  the  Constitution.  At  sunrise  the  next  morning, 
escape  from  the  enemy  was  almost  hopeless,  as  they  were  then 
within  five  miles.  The  Constitution  was  therefore  cleared  for 
action,  determined  to  make  a  desperate  resistance.  The  ene 
my  still  drawing  near,  captain  Hull  resolved  to  make  another 
effort  to  escape.  Boats  were  sent  ah°ad,  with  anchors  for  the 
purpose  of  warping,  there  prevailing  almost  a  calm.  The  oth 
ers  finding  the  Constitution  gaining  upon  them,  resorted  to  the 
uamo  expedient.  The  chase  continued  in  this  manner  for 
two  days,  partly  sailing-  with  light  breezes,  and  partly  warping, 
until  the  20th,  when  the  squadron  was  left  entirely  out  of  sight. 
This  escape  from  so  great  a  disparity  of  force,  was  considered 
as  deserving  a  high  rank  in  naval  exploits,  and  was  much  ad 
mired  at  the  time,  as  evincing- superior  nautical  skill.  The  ad 
vantage  to  the  Bi  itish  in  this  chase,  was  considerable,  when  we 
reflect  that  their  foremost  vessel  had  the  assistance  of  all  the 
boats  of  the  squadron,  for  the  purpose  of  towing.  The  superi 
orly  of  captain  Hull,  was  that  of  seamanship  alone.  This  su 
periority  was  sometime  afterwards  proved  in  a  most  remarka 
ble  manner  :  while  naval  history  lasts  it  will  not  be  forgotten. 

The  Constitution  again  put  to  sea,  on  the  second  of  Septem- 
lember.  On  the  nineteenth,  a  vessel  hove  in  sight,  and  a  chase 
instantly  commenced.  It  was  soon  discovered  to  be  the  Guer 
riere.  one  of  the  best  frigates  in  the  British  navy  ;  and  winch 
Beamed  not  averse  from  the  rencontre,  as  site  backed  her  main 
topsail,  waiting  for  the  Constitution  to  come  dawn.  This  was 
a  most  desirable  occurrence  to  our  brave  tars,  as  this  f/igate 
had  for  soino  time  been  in  search  of  an  American  frigate,  hav 
ing  given  a  formal  challenge  to  all  our  vessels  of  the  same  class. 
She  had  at  one  of  her  mast,  heads  a  flagf,  on  which  her  name 
was  inscribed  in  large  characters,  by  way  of  gasconade,  and  or. 
another,  the  words,  "  not  the  Little  Belt,"  in  allusion  to  the 
broadsides  which  the  President  had  given  that  vessel,  before 
the  war.  The  Guerriere  had  looked  into  several  of  our  ports, 
and  affected  to  be  exceedingly  anxious  taearn  the  first  laurel 
from  the  new  enemy.  The  Constitution  being  made  ready  for 
action,  now  bore  down,  her  crew  giving  three  cheers.  At  first 
it  was  the  intention  of  captain  Hull,  to  bring  her  to  close  action 
immediately  ;  but  on  coming  within  gun-shot,  she  gave  » 
broadside  and  filled  a  ,vay.  then  wore,  giving  a  broadside  on  tU» 


281  UNIVERSAL    HISTORY   OF 

other  tack,  but  without  effect.  They  now  continued  wearing, 
and  manoeuvring,  on  both  sides,  for  three  quarters  of  an  hour, 
the  Gucrriere  attempting  to  take  a  raking  position  :  but  failing 
in  this,  she  bore  up,  under  her  topsail  and  jib.  The  Constitu 
tion  perceiving  this  made  sail  to  come  up  with  her.  Captain 
Hull,  with  admirable  coolness,  received  the  enemy's  flre,  with 
out  returning  it.  The  enemy,  mistaking  this  conduct  on  (he 
part  of  the  American  commander,  for  want  of  skill,  continued  to 
pour  out  his  broadsides  with  a  view  to  cripple  his  antagonist. 
From  the  Constitution,  not  a  gun  had  been  fired.  Already 
had  an  officer  twice  C'>me  on  deck,  with  information  that  seve 
ral  of  the  men  had  been  killed  at  their  gnns.  The  gallant 
crew  though  burning  with  impatience,  silently  awaited  the 
orders  of  their  commander.  The  moment  go  long  looked  for, 
at  last  arrived.  Sailing  master  Ayiwin,  having  seconded  the 
views  of  the  captain,  with  admirable  skill,  in  bringing  the  ves 
sel  exactly  to  the  btation  intended,  orders  were  given  at  five 
minutes  before  five  P.  M.  to  fire  broadside  after  broadside,  in 
quick  succession.  The  crew  instantly  di.-cover-.nl  the  whole 
plan,  and  entered  info  it,  with  ail  the  spirit  the  circumstance 
was  calculated  to  inspire.  Never  was  any  finny  so  dreadful. 
For  fifteen  minutes  the  vivid  lightning  of  the  Constitution's 
guns  continued  one  bUze,  and  their  thunder  roared  with  scarce 
an  intermission.  The  enemy's  rnizrm  ma*t  had  gone  by  the 
board,  and  he  stood  exposed  to  a  raking  fire,  which  swept  his 
decks.  The  Guerriere  had  now  become  unmanageable  ;  her 
hull,  rig<j'ng  and  sails  dreadfully  torn  ;  when  the  Constitution 
nttemptexi  to  lay  her  on  board.  At  this  moment  lieutenant 
Bush,  in  attempting  to  throw  his  marines  on  board,  was  killed 
by  a  musket  ball,  and  the  enemy  shot  ahead,  but  could  not  be 
brought  before  the  wind.  A  raking  fire  now  continued  for  fif 
teen  ninutes  longer,  when  his  mainmast  and  foremast  went, 
taking  with  them  every  spar,  txcepting  the  bowsprit.  On 
seeing1  this,  the  firing  ceased,  and  at  twenty  five  minutes  past 
five  she  surrendered.  '•  In  thirty  minutes,"  says  captain  Hull, 
"  after  we  got  faiily  along  side  of  the  enemy,  she  surrendered 
and  had  not  a  spar  standing,  and  her  hull,  above  and  below 
water,  so  shattered  rhat  a  few7  rnure  broadsides  must  have  car 
ried  her  down."  The  Guerriere  was  so  much  damaged,  as  to 
render  it  impossible  to  bring  her  in  ;  she  was  therefore  set 
fire  to  the  next  day.  and  blown  up.  The  damage  sustained  by 
the  Constitution,  w»s  comparatively  of  so  little  consequence, 
that  site  actually  made  readv  for  action,  when  a  vessel  appear 
ed  in  eight  the  next  day.  The  loss  on  board  the  Guerriere 
was  fifteen  killed  and  sixty  three  wounded  ;  on  the  side  of  the 
Constitution  seven  killed  and  seven  wounded.  It  is  pleasing  to 
observe,  that  even  the  British  commander,  on  this  occasion, 
bore  testimony  to  the  humanity  and  generosity,  with  which  he 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  -285 

was  treated  by  the  victors.  The  American  frigate  was  some 
what  superior'in  force,  by  a  few  guns,  but  this  difference  bore 
no  comparison  to  the  disparity  of  the  conflict.  The  Gnerriere 
was  thought  to  be  a  mitc'i  for  any  vessel  of  her  class,  and  had 
b'een  ranked  amongst  tha  lar.rest  in  the  British  navy.  The 
Constitution  arrived  at  Boston  on  the  twenty  eighth  of  August, 
'living  captured  several  merchant  vessels. 

On  the  7th  of -September,  Commodore  Porter,  of  the  Essex, 
fell  in  with  a  fleet  of  merchantmen,  and  at  night  cut  out  a  brig 
with  a  hundred  and  fifty  soldiers  on  board,  which  was  ransomed 
for  14000  dollars.  On  the  13th  of  August,  the  Essex  fell  in 
with  the  Aiert,  sloop  of  war,  and  captured  her  in  eight  min 
utes. 

On  the  8th  of  October,  a  squadron,  consisting  of  the  Presi 
dent,  the  United  States,  Congress,  and  the  Argus,  sailed  from 
Boston  on  ft  cruise.  On  the  13th,  the  United  States  and  Ar 
gus,  parted  from  the  re^t  in  a  gale  of  wind.  A  few  days  after 
wards,  the  President  and  Congress  had  the  good  fortune  to  cap 
ture  the  British  packet  Swallow,  with  200,000  dollars  on  board, 
and  on  the  30th  of  December  arrived  at  Boston,  after  a  very 
successful  cruise. 

The  Argus  was  not  less  fortunate  ;  after  parting  from  the 
squadron,  she  cruised  in  every  direction,  between  the  continent 
and  the  West  Indies,  and  after  being  out  ninety  six  days,  she 
returned  (o  New  York,  with  prizes  to  the  amount  of  two  hun 
dred  thousand  dollars.  She  made  various  hairbreadth  escapes  : 
at  one  time  she  was  chased,  by  a  British  squadron  for  three 
days,  and  several  times  almost  surrounded  ;  she  was  one  mo 
ment  within  pistol  shot  of  a  seventy  four  and  yet  in  the  Amidst  of 
all  this  peril,  she  actually  captured  and  manned  one  of  her 
prizes. 

The  United  States,  commanded  by  that  distinguished  officer 
commodore  Decatur,  soon  after  her  separation  from  the  squad 
ron,  had  the  good  fortune  to  add  another  victory  to  our  Naval 
Chronicle,  not  less  glorious  than  that  of  the  Constitution.  On 
the  25th  of  October,  off  the  Western  Islands,  she  fell  in  with 
the  Macedonian,  captain  Carden,  a  frigate  of  the  largest  class, 
carrying-  49  guns  and  300  men.  The  Macedonian,  being  to 
windward,  she  had  it  in  her  power  to  choose  her  distance,  and 
at  no  time  were  they  nearer  than  musket  shot;  from  this  cir 
cumstance,  and  the  prevalence  of  a  heavy  sea,  the  action  lasted 
nearly  two  hours.  The  superiority  of  the  American  gunnery, 
in  this  action,  was  very  remarkable,  both  for  its  greater  rapidi 
ty  and  effect.  From  the  continued  blaze  of  her  guns,  the  Uni 
ted  States  was,  at  one  moment,  thought  by  her  antagonist  to 
be  on  fire  ;  a  mistake  of  very  short  duration.  On  board  the 
Macedonian  there  were  36  killed  and  63  wounded.  She  lost 


*8G  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

her  mainmast,  her  main-topmast,  and  main  yard,  and  waa  mucfc 
cut  up  in  her  hull.  The  United  States  suffered  so  little,  that  & 
return  (o  port  was  not  necessary  :  she  had  only  five  killed,  aud 
seven  wounded.  Among  the  killed  were  lieutenant  Funk,  of 
whom  the  commodore  spoke  in  the  highest  terms.  Lieutenant 
Allen  was  on  this  occasion  highly  applauded.  The  commodore 
arrived  at  New  York  on  the  4th  of  December,  with  his  prize. 
Commodore  Decalur,  already  a  universal  favorite,  experienced 
the  same  demonstrations  of  gratitude,  as  were  shown  to  cap 
tain  Hull;  nor  was  there  denied  him  that  new  species  of  praise, 
which  the  generous  conduct  of  our  heroic  seamen  has  uniformly 
drawn  forth,  the  praise  of  the  enemy  ;  all  the  private  property 
belonging  to  the  men  and  officers  on  board  the  Macedonian, 
was  restored  to  the  captured,  with  the  most  rigid  exactitude  ; 
and  their  treatment  was  the  most  polite  and  humane. 

'An  act  ot  generosity  and  benevolence  on  the  part  of  our 
brave  tars,  of  the  victorious  frigate,  deserves  to  be  honourably 
recorded.  The  carpenter,  who  was  unfortunately  killed  ia  the 
conflict  with  the  Macedonian,  had  left  three  small  children  to 
the  care  of  a  worthless  mother.  When  the  circumstance  became 
known  to  the  brave  seamen,  they  instantly  made  a  contribution 
amongst  themselves,  to  the  amount  of  eight  hundred  dollars, 
and  placed  it  in  sate  hands,  to  be  appropriated  to  the  education 
and  maintenance  of  the  unhappy  orphans. 

The  feelings  of  the  nation  had  scarce  time  to  subside,  when 
the  welcome  news  of  another  victory  was  received  ;  a  victory 
over  an  enemy  most  decidedly  superior  in  force,  and  under  cir 
cumstances  the  most  favourable  to  him.  This  was  the  capture 
of  the  brig  Frolick,  of  22  guns,  by  the  sloop  of  war  Wasp. 
Captain  Jones  had  returned  from  France,  two  weeks  after  the 
declaration  of  war,  and  on  the  1 3th  of  October  again  put  lo 
sea.  On  the  16th  he  experienced  a  heavy  gale,  in  which  the 
Wasp  lost  her  jib  boom  and  two  men.  On  the  evening  of  the 
following-  day,  the  Wasp  found  herself  near  five  strange  sail, 
and  as  two  of  them  appeared  to  be  ships  of  war,  it  was  thought 
proper  to  keep  at  a  distance.  At  day-light  on  Sunday  moin- 
ing>  they  were  discovered  to  be  six  merchant  ships,  from  Hon 
duras  to  England,  under  strong  convoy  of  a  brig  and  two  ships, 
armed  with  sixteen  guns  each.  The  brig  which  proved  to  be 
the  Frolick,  capt.  Whinyates,  dropped  behind,  while  the  othert 
made  sn  jl.  The  Wasp,  being  prepared  for  action,  at  32  minutea 
past  11  o'clock,  came  down  to  the  windward  in  handsome 
btyle,  when  the  action  was  begun  by  the  enemy's  cannon  and 
musketry.  This  was  returned  and  approaching  still  nearer 
the  enemy  brought  her  to  close  action.  In  five  minutes  tha 
main  topmast  of  the  Wasp  was  shot  away,  and  falling  dowu 
with  the  muintopsail  ;  u;d  across  the  larboard  fore  and  for* 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  567 

topsail,  rendered  her  head  yards  unmanageable  during  the  rest 
«>f  the  action.  In  two  minutes  more  her  gaft  arid  mizea 
topgallant  mast  were  shot  away.  The  sea  being  exceed 
ingly  rough,  the  muzzles  of  the  Waco's  guns  were  sometimes 
under  water.  The  English  fired  as  their  vessel  rose,  so  that 
their  shot  was  either  throxvn  away,  or  touched  the  rigging  of 
(he  Americans;  the  Wasp,  on  the  contrary,  fired  as  she  sunk  : 
and  every  time  struck  the  hull  of  her  antagonist.  The  Wasp 
now  shot  ahead,  raked  her,  and  then  returned  her  position. 
The  Frolick's  fire  had  evidently  slackened,  and  the  Wasp, 
gradually  neared  her,  until  the  last  broadside,  they  touched 
her  side  wilh  their  rammers.  It  was  determined  to  lay  her  by 
the  hoard.  The  jib-boom  of  the  Frolick  came  in  between  the 
main  and  mizen  mast  rigging  of  the  Wasp,  and  .after  giving'  a 
raking  fire,  which  swept  the  whole  deck,  they  resolved  to 
board.  Lieutenant  Biddl?  sprang  on  the  rigging  of  the  ene 
my's  bowsprit,  where  he  was  at  first  somewhat  entangled,  and 
midshipman  Barker,  in  his  impatience  to  be  on  board,  caught 
hold  of  Biddle's  coat,  and  fell  back  on  the  deck,  but  in  a  mo 
ment  sprang  up  and  leaped  on  tho  bowsprit,  where  he  found 
one  Lang  and  another  seaman.  His  surprise  can  scarcely  be 
imagined,  when  he  found  no  person  on  deck,  except  throe  offi 
cers  and  the  seaman  at  the  wheel.  The  deck  was  slippery 
with  blood,  anJ  presented  a  scene  of  havock  and  ruin,  such  as 
has  been  seldom  witnessed.  As  he  advanced  the  officers  threw 
down  their  swords  in  submission.  The  colours  were  still  fly 
ing,  there  being  no  seamen  loft  to  pull  them  down.  Lieutenant 
Biddle  leaped  into  the  rigging-,  and  hauled  them  down  with 
his  own  hands.  Thus,  in  forty-three  minutes,  comp'ets 
possession  was  taken  of  the  Frolick,  after  one  of  the  most 
bloody  conflicts  any  where  recorded  in  naval  history.  The 
condition  of  this  unfortunate  vessel,  was  inexpressibly  shock 
ing.  The  birth  deck  was  crowded  with  the  dead,  the  dying 
and  the  wounded  :  and  the  masts,  which  soon  after  fell,  cover 
ing  the  dead  and  every  thing  on  deck,  leaving  her  a  most 
melancholy  wreck.  Captain  Jones  sent  on  board  his  surgeon. 
and  humanely  exerted  himself  in  their  relief,  to  the  utmost  of 
his  power.  The  loss  on  board  the  Frolick  was  thirty  killed 
and  fifty  wounded  ;  on  board  the  Wasp  five  killed  and  five 
slightly  wounded.  This  was  certainly  the  most  decisive  ac 
tion  fought  during  the  war.  The  Wasp  and  Frolick  were  both 
captured  that  very  day  by  a  British  seventy-four,  the  Poictiers, 
captain  Beresfonl. 

On  the  fourth  of  March,  1813,  Mr-  Madison  entered  upon 
Ibe  second  terra  or  his  office,  Mr.  George  Clinton  was  elected 
vice  president,  but  soon  after  died,  and  was  succeeded  bj 
£lt»ridnr«  Garry, 


288  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

So  great  was  the  desire  of  the  citizens  of  the  western  coun 
try  to  regain  possession  of  the  territory  of  Michigan,  that,  in 
order  to  effect  it,  general  Harrison  resolved  to  undertake  a 
\vinter  campaign.  General  Winchester,  with  a  portion  of  the 
western  army,  proceeded  in  advance  to  Frenchtown,  a  village 
on  the  river  Raisin,  not  far  from  Detroit.  A  British  party 
stationed  in  the  village  was  attacked,  routed,  and  entirely  dis 
persed. 

The  Americans  encamped  near  the  field  of  battle,  a  part  of 
them  being  protected  by  close  garden  pickets.  Although  near 
an  enemy's  post,  but  litltle  precaution  was  taken  to  prevent  a 
surprize.  Early  in  the  morning  of  the  22d  of  January,  they 
were  attacked  by  a  large  force  of  British  and  Indians,  the  for 
mer  commanded  by  colonel  Procter,  the  latter  by  the  chief* 
Roundhead  and  Splitlog1.  The  troops  in  the  open  field  wero 
thrown  into  disorder.  General  Winchester,  and  other  officers,' 
made  an  ineffectual  attempt  to  rally  them.  They  fled,  but 
while  attempting  to  escape  were  mostly  killed  by  the  Indians. 
The  general  and  colonel  Lewis  were  made  prisoners. 

The  troops  behind  the  pickets  maintained  the  contest  with 
undaunted  bravery.  At  length  colonel  Proctor  assured  gene 
ral  Winchester,  that  if  the  remainder  of  the  Americans  would  im 
mediately  surrender,  they  should  be  protected  from  massacre; 
but  otherwise  he  would  set  fire  to  the  village,  and  would  not  be 
responsible  for  the  conduct  of  the  savages.  Intimidated  by 
this  threat,  general  Winchester  sent  an  order  to  the  troops  to 
surrender,  which  they  obeyed. 

Colonel  Procter,  leaving-  the  wounded  without  a  guard, 
inarched  back  immediately  to  Maiden.  The  Indians  accom 
panied  them  a  few  miles,  but  returned  early  the  next  morning. 
Deeds  of  horror  followed.  The  wounded  officers  were  drag 
ged  from  the!  houses,  killed  and  scalped  in  the  streets.  The 
buildings  were  set  on  fire.  Some  who  attempted  to  escape 
were  forced  back  into  the  flames.  Others  were  put  to  death 
by  the  tomahawk,  and  left  shockingly  mangled  in  the  highway. 
The  infamy  of  this  butchery  should  not  fall  upon  the  perpetra 
tors  alone.  It  must  rest  equally  upon  those  who  instigated 
them  to  hostility,  by  whose  side  they  fought,  who  were  able 
and  were  bound  by  a  solemn  engagement  to  restrain  them. 

The  battle  and  massacre  at  Frenchtown  clothed  Kentucky 
and  Ohio  in  mourning.  Other  volunteers,  indignant  at  (he 
treachery  and  cruelty  of  (heir  foes,  hastened  to  the  aid  of  Harri 
son.  He  marched  to  the  rapids  of  the  Miami,  where  he  erec 
ted  a  fort,  which  he  called  fort  Mcigs,  in  honour  of  the  gover 
nor  of  Ohio.  On  the  first  of  May »  it  was  invested  by  a  large 
number  of  Indians,  and  by  R  party  of  British  troops  from  Mai- 
tleu.  the  whole  commanded  by  colouel  Procter. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  289 

Five  days  afterwards,  general  Clay,  at  the  head  o^  1200 
Kentuckians,  made  an  attempt  to  raise  the  siege.  Dividing 
his  force  into  several  parties,  and  making  an  impetuous  onset, 
he  drove  the  besiegers  from  their  works.  His  troops  supposing 
the  victory  complete  and  disregarding  the  orders  of  their  com 
mander,  dispersed  into  the  woods.  The  enemy,  returning 
from  their  flight,  obtained  an  easy  victory.  Of  the  Americans, 
two  or  three'hunJred  escaped  into  the  fort  ;  about  three  hun 
dred  were  killed  or  made  prisoners  ;  the  remainder  fled  to  the 
nearest  settlements*  The  enemy  sustained  considerable  loss. 

The  fort  continued  to  he  defended  with  bravery  and  skill. 
The  Indians,  unaccustomed  to  sieges,  became  weary  and  dis 
contented.  On  the  8th  of  May,  notwithstanding  the  entreaties 
of  their  chief,  Tecumseh  they  deserted  their  allies.  On  the 
9th  the  enemy, despairing  of  success,  made  a  precipitate  retreat. 
General  Harrison,  leaving  general  Ciay  in  command,  returned 
to  Ohio  for  reinforcements  ,  but  in  this  quarter  active  opera 
tions  were  not  resumed  until  a  squadron  had  been  built  and 
prepared  for  action  on  lake  Erie. 

At  Sackett's  Harbor,  on  the  northern  frontier,  a  body  of 
troops  had  been  assembled  under  the  command  of  general  Dear 
born,  and  great  exertions  were  made,  by  commodore  Chaun- 
cey,  to  build  and  equip  a  squadron,  on  lake  Ontario,  sufficiently 
powerful  to  contend  with  that  of  the  enomy.  By  the  xJ5ih  of 
April,  the  naval  preparations  were  so  far  completed  that  the 
general,  and  1700  troops,  were  conveyed  across  the  lake  to  the 
attack  of  York,  the  capital  of  Upper  Canada. 

On  the  27th,  an  advanced  party,  led  by  brigadier  general 
Pike,  who  was  born  in  a  camp  and  bred  a  soldier  from  his  birth, 
landed,  although  opposed,  at  the  water's  edge,  by  a  superior 
force.  After  a  short  but  severe  conflict,  the  enemy  were  dri 
ven  to  their  fortifications.  The  rest  of  the  troops  having  land 
ed,  the  whole  party  pressed  forward,  carried  the  first  batterv 
by  assault,  and  were  moving  towards  the  main  works,  when 
the  enemy's  magazine  blew  up,  with  a  tremendous  explosion, 
hurling  upon  the  advancing  troops  immense  quantities  of  stone 
and  timber. 

Numbers  were  killed,  the  gallant  Pike  received  a  mortal 
wound  ;  the  troops  halted  for  a  moment,  but  recovering  from 
the  shock,  again  pressed  forward  and  soon  gained  possession  of 
the  town.  Of  the  British  troops,  one  hundred  were  kitted, 
pearly  three  hundred  were  wounded,  and  the  same  number 
made  prisoners.  Of  the  Americans,  three  hundred  and  twenty 
were  killed  and  wounded,  and  nearly  all  of  them  by  the  explo 
sion  of  the  magazine.  The  flag  which  waved  over  the  fort 
was  carried  to  the  dying  Pike  ;  at  his  desire,  it  was  placed  un- 
25* 


200  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

dor  his  head,  when,  with  the  smile  of  triumph  on  his  lips  he 
expired. 

The  object  of  the  expedition  attained,  the  squadron  and 
troops  returned  to  Sackett's  Harbor,  whence,  the  wounded  and 
prisoners  being  landed  and  other  troops  taken  on  board,  it  sail 
ed  to  Fort  George,  at  the  head  of  the  Lake.  After  a  warm 
engagement,  the  enemy  abandoned,  and  the  Americans  entered 
the  fort.  The  fugitives  retired  to  the  heights,  at  the  head  of 
Burlington  bay.  On  their  retreat,  they  were  joined  by  a  de 
tachment  from  fort  !'>ie  and  Chippeway.  Two  brigades,  un 
der  generals  Chandler  and  Winder,  were  despatched  in  pursuit. 
On  the  evening  of  the  5th  of  June,  they  encamped  at  Ston-ey 
Creek,  in  the  vicinity  of  the  enemy,  who  considering  their  sit 
uation  desperate,  turned  upon  their  pursuers  and  attacked  them 
in  the  night. 

The  Americans  received  them  with  coolness  ;  but  snch  v  as 
the  darknoes,  that  general  Chandler,  intending  to  place  himself 
at  the  head  of  his  artillery,  threw  himself  in. o  the  midst  of  a 
British  party.  A  few  minutrs  afterwards,  the  same  mistake 
was  committed  by  general  Winder.  Satisfied  with  the  cap 
ture  of  these  officers,  and  a  few  other  prisoners,  the  enemy 
made  a  precipitate  retreat.  The  American  troops  returned  to 
fort  George.  The  misfortune  was  soon  followed  by  another. 
Lieutenant  colonel  Boerstler.  having  been  sent,  with  five  hun 
dred  men,  to  disperse  a  body  of  the  enemy  collected  at  the  Bea 
ver  Dams,  was  surrounded,  and  the  whole  detachment  made 
prisoners. 

While  the  greater  part  of  the  American  army^was  thus  em 
ployed  in  Canada,  the  British  made  an  attack  upon  the  impor 
tant  pest  of  Sackett's  Harbor.  On  the  27th  of  May,  their 
squadron  appeared  before  the  town.  Alarm  gun?  instantly  as 
sembled  the  citizens  of  the  neighborhood.  General  Brown,  of 
the  New  York  militia,  commanded  in  chief,  his  whole  force 
amounting  to  about  one  thousand  men.  By  his  orders,  a  slight 
breast  work  was  hastily  thrown  up,  at  the  only  place  where 
the  enemy  could  land.  Behind  tins,  he  placed  the  militia,  the 
regulars  under  colonel  Backus  forming  a  second  line. 

On  the  morning  of  the  29th,  one  thousand  British  troops  lan 
ded  from  the  squadron.  They  advanced  toward  the  breast 
work.  The  militia,  seized  with  a  sudden  panic,  fled  in  confu 
sion.  Colonel  Mills,  in  a  vain  attempt  to  rally  them,  was  mor 
tally  wounded.  The  regulars,  after  a  spirited  resistance,  were 
compelled  to  retire  towards  the  town,  but  in  their  retreat  they 
took  possession  of  the  houses  on  the  road.  From  these  coverts 
they  poured  so  destructive  a  fire  upon  the  British  column,  that, 
it  halted  and  fell  back.  General  Brown,  by  a  stratagem,  con 
verted  this  slight  check  into  a  precipitate  flight.  Collecting  the 


THE  UNITED  "STATES.  091 

panic  struck  militia,  he  directedtheir  course  along  a  road,  which, 
while  it  led  from  the  village,  appeared  to  the  British  comman 
der  to  lead  to  the  place  of  landing.  Perceiving  them  marching 
with  great  speed, he  supposed  that  their  object  was  to  cut  off  his 
retreat,  and  re-embarked  so  hastily  as  to  leave  behind  most  of 
his  wounded.  General  Brown,  in  recompense  for  his  services, 
was  appointed  a  brigadier  in  the  regular  army- 

Meanwhile,  upon  the  sea  coast,  a  distressing  and  predatory 
war  was  carried  on,  by  a  large  detatchments  from  the  powerful 
navy  of  Great  Britain.  One  squadron,  stationed  in  Delaware 
bay,  captured  and  burned  every  merchant  vessel  which  came 
within  its  reach.  The  inhabitants  of  Lewiston,  in  the  state  of 
Delaware,  having  refused  to  sell  provisions  to  the  enemy,  the 
village  was  bombarded  and  several  attempts  were  made  to  land, 
but  they  were  defeated  by  the  militia. 

On  the  fourth  of  February,   a   squadron  consisting  of  two 
ships  of  the  line,  three  frigates,  and  other  vessels,  made  its  ap 
pearance  in  the  Chesapeake,  apparently  standing  for  Hampton 
Roads.     The  alarm  was  immediately  caught  at    Norfolk,  and 
the  militia  called  in  from  the,  upper  part  of  the  state.     No    at 
tempt,  however,  was  made  upon  the  town,  the  enemy  content 
ing  himself  with  destroying  the  smaller  vessels  employed  in  the 
navigation  of  the  bay,  and  effectively   blockading  its    waters. 
About  the  same  time,  another  squadron,  under  the  command  of 
commodore  Beresford,  appeared  in  the  Delaware,  consisting  of 
the  Poictiers,  the  Belvidera,  and  some  other  vessels,   which   iu 
the  same  manner  destroyed  a  number  of -small  trading   vessels, 
and  attempted  several  times  to  land  some  of  their  men,    who 
were  as  often  repulsed  by  the  militia,  hastily  collected.     On  the 
tenth  of  April,  sir  John  Beresford  made  a  demand  on  the  people 
of  the  village  of  Lewistown,  for  a  supply  of  provisions,   which 
was  spiritedly  refused  by  colonel  Davis,    commanding  at   that 
place.     Captain  Byron,  of  the  Belvidera,  was  ordered  to  move 
near  the  village  and  bombard  it,  until   the  demand    should  be 
complied  with.     This  was  obeyed,  but  without  effect  ;    after    a 
cannonade  of  twenty  hours,  they  were  unable  to  make  any  im 
pression  on  the  place.    Their  fire  had  been  returned  from  some 
batteries,  hastily  thrown  up  on  the  bank,  with  considerable  ef 
fect.     On  the  tenth  of  May,  the  same  squadron  sent  out   their 
barges  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Lewistown,  to  procure  water. 
Major -George  Hunter  was  detached  by  colonel  Davis,  with 
one  hundred  and  fifty  men,  to  oppose  their  landing,    which  the 
major  did  with  so  much  gallantry,  that  he  compelled   them   to 
hasten  to  their  shipping.     The  squadron  soon  after  returned  to 
Bermuda,  where  sir  J.  Borlace  Warren,    who    commanded  ou 
this  station,  was  engaged  in  fitting  out  a   more   considerable 
armament,  for  the  attack  of  our  sea-coast  during  the  si-mmer. 


292  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

Soon  after  the  departure  of  (he  squadron,  the  Spartan,  an$ 
some  other  frigates  entered  the  Delaware.  One  of  their  ves 
sels,  the  Martin,  was  discovered  on  the  twenty  ninth  of  July, 
slightly  grounded  on  the  outer  edge  of  Crow's  shoals.  A  de 
tachment  of  the  gunboat  flotilla  immediately  moved,  and  an 
choring  in  a  line  about  three  quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  sloop, 
opened  a  destructive  fire  upon  her.  The  Junon  frigate  soon 
after  came  off  to  her  relief;  a  cannonade  was  kept  up  during 
an  hour  between  the  gunboats  and  these  two  vessels,  in  which 
the  latter  suffered  great  injury.  Finding  it  impossible  to  drive 
off  this  musqueto  fleet,  they  manned  their  launches,  tenders, 
and  cutters,  to  cut  off  the  gunboats  at  the  extremity  of  the  line. 
No.  121,  commanded  by  sailing  master  Head,  was  unfortunate 
ly  taken,  after  a  desperate  resistance  against  eight  times  her 
number.  The  British  soon  after  made  sail,  the  Martin  having 
been  extricated  from  her  situation. 

Scenes  of  a  different  kind  were,  in  the  meanwhile,  acting  in 
the  Chesapeake.  The  squadron,  which  returned  in  February, 
slill  continued  to  carry  on  a  predatory  war  along  the  shores  and 
inlets.  It  was  here,  that  one  Cockburn,  by  some  means,  an 
admiral  in  the  service  of  the  king  of  England,  exhibited  the 
first  of  those  exploits,  for  which  he  afterwards  became  so  highly 
celebrated  ;  and  of  which  be  may  justly  claim  to  be  the  origin 
ator.  At  first  they  were  directed  against  the  detached  farm 
houses  and  seats  of  private  gentlemen,  unprepared  for,  and  in 
capable  of  defence  ;  these  were  robbed,  and  the  owners  treated 
in  the  rudest  munner.  .  The  cattle  which  could  not  be  carried 
away,  were  doomed  to  wanton  destruction  ;  the  slaves  were 
armed  against  their  owners,  and  persuaded  to  follow  the  exam 
ple  of  their  new  friends,  to  attack  their  master's  defenceless 
families,  and  to  engage  in  pillaging  them.  It  was  impossible 
to  station  a  force  at  each  farmhouse,  to  repel  these  miserable 
and  disgraceful  incursions ;  yet,  in  several  instances,  Cockburn 
and  his  ruffians  were  bravely  repelled  by  a  collection  of  the 
neighbours  without  authority,  and  under  no  leader.  The  spir 
ited  citizens  of  Maryland  formed  bodies  of  cavalry,  which  were 
stationed  at  intervals  along  the  shore,  to  be  drawn  out  at  a 
moment's  warning,  for  the  purpose  of  repelling  the  sudden  in 
roads  of  the  enemy.  Cockburn  took  possession  of  several 
islands  in  the  bay,  particularly  Sharp's,  Tilghman's,  and  Poplar 
islands,  whence  he  could  seize  the  opportunity  of  making  a  de 
scent  upon  the  neighbouring  shores,  when  the  inhabitants 
happened  to  be  off  their  guard. 

Encouraged  by  his  success  against  the  farmers,  and  his  ra 
pacity  increasing  by  the  booty  which  he  had  already  obtained, 
Cockburn  now  resolved  to  undertake  something  of  a  more  bold 
3,n,d  adventurous  character,  in  which  his  thirst  for  plunder,  and 


THE   UNITED  STATES,  293 

hU»  love  of  mischief,  might  be  gratified  in  a  higher  degree.  He 
therefore  directed  his  attention  to  the  unprotected  villages  and 
hamlets  along  ths  bay  ;  carefully  avoiding  the  larger  towns, 
the  plunderici'  of  which  mi»ht  be  attended  with  some  danger. 
The  first  of  these  exploits  was  against  the  village  of  French- 
town,  conu'nlng  six.  d  A-.'iliii^  houses,  two  large  store  houses, 
and  several  stabies.  It  is  important,  however,  as  a  place  of 
deposite  on  the  line  of  packets  and  stages  from  Philadelphia  to 
the  city  of  Baltimore,  and  Cockburn  rightly  conjectured  that 
here  there  might  be  private  property  to  a  considerable  amount. 
He  accordingly  set  out  on  this  expedition,  from  his  ship,  the 
Marlb-jrough,  in  barges,  sviihfive  hundred  marines;  a  suffi 
cient,  mrubjr  I o  have  carried  the  town  on  their  backs.  Some 
siiow  of  resisianc--?  was  made  by  a  small  party  of  militia  collec- 
te,l  from  Elktou,  but  which  moved  off  as  the  admiral  approach 
ed.  Tua  storehouses  were  destroyed,  together  with  the  goods 
they  ware  unable  to  carry  off,  to  an  immense  amount.  Amongst 
other  objects  of  wanton  destruction,  wa-  an  elegant  drop-cur 
tain,  intended  far  the  theatres  of  the  cities  before  mentioned. 
The  brand  was  applied  to  some  of  the  private  dwelling  houses, 
and  to  several  vessels  lyiii^  at  the  wharf;  after  achieving  this 
glorious  victory,  the  admiral,  fearing  the  approach  of  the  mili 
tia,  hastily  retired  to  his  sliip. 

The  next  exploit  of  the  admiral,  was  of  still  greater  impor 
tance.  The  lown  of  Ha?re  d^  Grace  is  situated  on  the  Sus- 
quehanna,  about  two  miles  from  the  head  of  the  bay,  and  is  a 
ueat  village,  containing  twenty  or  thirty  houses.  An  attack  on 
this  p'.ace  was  the  n^xt  obiect  \v!jich  entered  into  the  plan  of 
the  admiral's  operations.  Accordingly  on  the  third  of  May, 
before  day  light,  his  annroach  was  announced  by  a  few  cannon 
slut,  and  the  firing  of  rockets.  The  inhabitants,  roused  from 
their  sleep,  leaped  up  in  the  greatest  coii=:erna:ion,  and  the 
more  courageous  repaired  to  the  beach,  where  a  few  small 
places  of  artiilery  had  been  planned  on  a  kind  of  battery  for  the 
purpose  of  defence  against  the  sinaher  watering  or  plundering 
parlies  of  the  e.i-Miiy.  Afier  firing  a  few  tiuts,  with  the  excep 
tion  of  an  old  citizen  of  the  place,  of  the  name  of  O'Neill,  they 
all  fled  on  the  approach  of  the  barges,  abandoning  the  village 
to  the  mercy  of  Cockburn.  OTs  eill  alone  continued  to  fight, 
loading  a  piece  of  artillery,  and  fi  ing  it  himself,  until  by  re 
coiling  it  ran  over  his  thigh  and  wounded  him  severely.  He 
then  armed  himself  with  a  mn-kec,  and  limping  away,  still 
kept  up  a  retreating  fight  with  the  advancing  column  *of  the 
British,  who  bad  by  this  time  landed  and  formed  ;  after  which 
lie  moved  off  to  join  his  five  or  six  comrades,  whom  he  attempt 
ed  in  vain  to  rally. 

25* 


294  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

The  ocean,  in  the  mean  time,  had  been  the  theatre  of  san 
guinary  conflicts,  in  winch  the  victors  gained  untarnished 
laurels.  Captain  Lawrence,  in  the  sloop  of  war  Hornet,  dis 
covering,  in  the  neutral  port  of  San  Salvador,  a  British  sloop  of 
war  of  superior  force,  challenged  her  commander  to  meet  him 
at  sea.  The  challenge  being  declined,  Captain  Lawrence 
blockaded  the  fort  until  forced  by  a  ship  of  the  line  to  retire. 

Soon  after,  on  the  23d  of  February,  the  Hornet  met  the 
British  brig  Peacock,  of  about  equal  force.  A  fierce  combat 
ensued.  In  less  than  fifteen  minutes,  the  Peacock  struck  her 
colours,  displaying,  at  the  same  time  a  signal  of  distress.  The 
victors  hastened  lo  the  relief  of  the  vanquished,  and  the  same 
strength  which  had  been  exerted  to  conquer  was  now  exerted 
to  save.  Their  efforts  were  but  partially  successful.  She 
sunk  before  all  her  crew  could  be  removed,  carrying  down 
nine  British  seamen  and  three  brave  and  generous  Americans. 
In  the  battle,  the  loss  of  the  Hornet  was  but  one  killed  and 
two  wounded  ;  that  of  the  Peacock  was  never  oscertained. 

On  his  return  to  the  United  States,  captain  Lawrence  was 
promoted  to  the  command  of  the  frigate  Chesapeake,  then  in 
the  harbor  of  Boston.  For  several  weeks,  the  British 
frigate  Shannon,  of  equal  force  but  having  a  selected  crew-, 
had  been  cruising  before  the  port  ;  and  captain  Broke,  her 
commander,  had  announced  his  wish  to  meet,  in  single  combat, 
an  American  frgate.  Inflamed  by  this  challenge,  captain  Law 
rence,  although  his  crew  was  jutt  enlisted,  and  Ins  officers  were 
strangers  to  him  and  to  each  other,  set  eail,  on  the  first  of  June, 
in  pursuit  of  the  Shannon. 

Towards  evening  of  the  ssme  day,  iliey  met,  and  instantly 
engaged,  with  unexampled  fury.  In  a  very  tew  minutes,  and 
in  quick  succession,  the  sailing  master  of  the  Chesapeake  was 
killed,  captain  Lawrence  and  three  Lieutenants  were  severely 
wounded,  her  rigging-  was  so  cut  to  pieces  that  she  fell  on 
board  the  Shannon,  her  chest  of  arms  blew  up,  captain  Law 
rence  received  a  second  and  mortal  wound  and  was  carried  be 
low  ;  at  this  instant,  the.  position  of  the  ships  bring  favorable, 
captain  Broke,  at  the  head  ofhis  marines,  guilantly  boarded  the 
Chesapeake,  when  every  officer  who  could  t:- lie  command  being 
killed  or  wounded  ,  resistance  ceased,  and  the  American  flag 
wn.s  struck  by  the  enemy. 

That  fortune  favouredlhe  Shannon  cannot  be  donbted.  .That 
the  event  would  have  been  the  same  had  fortune  favoured 
neither,  is  rendered  probable  by  the  astonishing  effect  of  her 
fire.  This  unexpected  defeat  impelled  the  Americans  to  seek 
for  circumstances  condoling  to  their  pride  and  in  the  journals 
of  the  day,  many  slich  were  stated  to  have  preceded  and  at 
tended  the  action.  But  nothing  could  allay  their  grief  at  the 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  205 

fall  of  the  youthful  and  intrepid  Lawrence.  H;s  previous  vic 
tory  and  magnanimous  conduct  had  rendered  him  the  favourite 
of  the  nation,  and  he  was  lamented  with  sorrow,  deep,  sincere, 
and  lasting.  When  carried  below,  he  \vasasked  if  the  colors 
should  be  struck.  "  No,"  he  replied,  "  they  shall  wave  while  I 
live."  When  the  fate  of  the  ship  was  decided,  his  proud  spirit 
was  broken.  He  became  delirious  from  excess  of  mental  and 
bodily  suffering.  Whenever  able  to  speak,  he  would  exclaim, 
"  Don't  give  up  the  ship  !"  an  expression  consecrated  by  his 
countrymen  ;  and  he  uttered  but  few  other  words  during1  the 
four  days  that  he  survived  his  defeat. 

This  victory  was  not  achieved  without  loss.  Of  the  crew  of 
the  Shannon,  twenty  four  were  killed  and  fifty  six  wounded. 
Of  that  of  the  Chesapeake,  forty  eight  were  killed  and  nearly 
one  hundred  wounded.  Great  was  the  exultation  of  the  enemy. 
Victories  over  the  frigates  of  other  nations  were  occurrences 
too  common  to  excite  emotion  ;  but  the  capture  of  an  Ameri 
can  frigate  was  considered  a  glorious  epoch  in  the  naval  history 
of  Great  Britain.  The  honors  and  rewards  bestowed  upon 
captain  Broke  were  such  as  had  never  before  been  received 
but  by  the  conqueror  of  a  squadron.  These  demonstrations  of 
triumph  were  inadvertent  confessions  of  American  superiority  ; 
and  were  to  the  vanquished  themselves,  sources  of  triumph 
and  consolation. 

The  next  encounter  at  sea  was  between  the  American  brig 
Argus  and  the  British  brig  Pelican.  The  latter  was  of  superi 
or  force,  and  was  victorious.  Soon  after,  the  American  brig 
Enterprise,  commanded  by  lieutenant  Burrows,  captured  the 
British  brig  Boxer,  commanded  by  captain  Blyth.  These  ves 
sels  were  of  equal  force,  but  the  greater  effect  of  the  fire  of  the 
Enterprise  furnished  to  the  Americans  another  proof  of  the  su 
perior  skill  of  their  seaman.  Both  commanders  were  killed  in 
the  action,  and  were  buried,  each  by  the  other's  side,  in  Port 
land. 

Commodore  Porter  had  been  cruising-  in  the  Pacific  for  near 
ly  a  year,  in  the  course  of  which  he  had  captured  several  Bri 
tish  armed  whale  ships.  Sorna  of  these  were  equipped  as  Amer 
ican  cruisers  and  store  ships;  and  the  Atlantic,  now  called 
the  Essex  Junior,  of  twenty  guns  and  sixty  men,  was  assigned 
to  Lieut.  Downes.  The  prizes  which  were  to  be  laid  up, 
were  convoyed  by  this  otlicer  to  Valparai?o.  On  his  return,  he 
brought  intelligence  to  Commodore  Porter  that  a  British  squad 
ron,  consisting  of  one  frigate,  and  two  sloops  of  war,  and  a 
store  ship  of  twenty  guns,  had  sailed  in  quest  of  the  Essex.  The 
commodore  took  measures,  immediately,  to  repair  his  vessel, 
which,  having  accomplished,  on  the  12th  of  December,  1813, 
he  sailed  for  Valparaiso,  in  company  with  the  Essex  Junior. 


29G  UiNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

"It  was  not  long  after  the  arrival  of  Commodore  Porter  at 
Valparaiso,  when  Commodore  Hillyar  appeared  there  in  the 
Phoebe  frigate,  accompanied  by  the  Cherub  sloop  of  war. 
These  vessels  had  been  equipped  fur  the  purpose  of  meeting  the 
Essex,  with  picked  crews,  in  prime  order,  and  hoisted  flags 
bearing  the  motto,  "God  and  our  country,  British  sailors'  best 
rights-,  traitors  offend  them."  This  was  in  allusion  to  Porter's 
celebrated  motto,  "  Free  trade  and  sailors'  rights  ;"  he  now 
hoisted  at  his  mizzen,  "  God,  our  country,  and  liberty  :  tyrants 
offend  them."  On  entering-  the  harbour,  the  British  commodore 
fell  foul  of  the  Essex,  in  such  a  situation  as'lo  be  placed  com 
pletely  in  the  power  of  the  latter  ;  the  forbearance  of  Commo 
dore  Porter  wus  acknowledged  by  the  English  commander,  and 
he  passed  his  word  and  honour  to  observe  the  same  regard  to 
the  neutrality  of  the  port. 

"Tne  Briiish  vessels  soon  after  stood  out,  arid  cruised  offthe 
port  about  six  weeks,  rigorously  blockading  the  Essex.  Their 
united  force  amounted  to  eighty  one  guns  and  about  five  hun 
dred  men,  about  double  that  of  the  Essex;  but  the  circumstance 
of  this  force  being  divided  in  two  ships,  rendered  the  disparity 
still  greater;  and  was  by  no  menus  counterba'anced  by  the  Es 
sex  Junior.  Commodore  Porier  being  prevented  by  this  great 
disparity  of  force,  from  engaging,  made  repeated  attempts  to 
draw  the  Phoebe  into  action  singly,  either  by  mauceuvreing  or 
sending  formal  challenges  ;  but  Commodore  Hillyar  carefully 
avoided  the  coming-  to  action  alone.  The  Ameiican  command 
er,  hearing  that  an  additional  British  force  was  on  its  way,  and 
having  discovered  that  his  vessel  could  outsail  those  of  the  Bri 
tish,  determined  to  sail  out,  and,  while  the  enemy  was  in  chase, 
enable  the  Essex  Junior  to  escape  to  a  place  of  rendezvous  pre 
viously,  appointed. 

kt  On  the  twenty-eighth  of  March,  the  wind  coming  onto 
blow  fresh  from  ihe  southward  ;  the  Essex  parted  her  starboard 
cable,  and  dragging  her  larboard  anchor  to  sea.  I\ot  a  moment 
was  lost  in  getting  sail  on  the  ship,  as  it  was  determined  to 
seize  this  moment  to  escape.  In  endeavouring  to  pass  to  the 
windward  of  the  enemy,  a  squall  struck  the  American  vessel, 
just  as  she  was  doubling  the  point,  which  carried  away  her 
main-top-mast  ;  both  ships  immediately  gave  chase,  and  being 
unable  to  escape  in  his  crippled  state,  the  commodore  endeav 
oured  to  put  back  into  the  harbour  ;  but  finding  this  impractica 
ble,  he  ran  into  a  small  bay,  and  anchored  within  pistol  shot  of 
the  shore :  where,  from  a  supposition  that  the  enemy  would 
continue  to  respect  the  neutrality  of  the  port,  he  thought  himself 
fcccure.  He  soon  found,  however,  by  the  manner  in  which  they 
approached,  that  he  was  mistaken.  With  all  possible  despatch 
therefore,  lie  prepared  his  ship  for  action,  and  endeavoured  to 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  297 

get  a  spring  on  his  cable,  which  he  could  not  accomplish  before 
the  enemy  commenced  the  attack,  at  fifty-four  minutes  past 
three. 

At  first  the  Phrebe  placed  herself  on  his  stern,  and  the  Che 
rub  on  his  larboard  bow  ;  bat  the  latter  soon  finding  herself  ex 
posed  to  a  hot  fire,  changed  her  position,  and  with  her  consort, 
kept  up  a  raking  fire  under  his  stern.  The  American,  being 
unable  to  bring  his  broad  side  to  bear  on  the  enemy,  his  spring 
cables  having  been  three  times  shot  away,  was  obliged,  there 
fore,  to  rely  for  defence  against  this  tremendous  attack,  on 
three  long  twelve  pounders,  which  he  ran  out  of  the  stern  ports, 
which  were  worked  with  such  bravery  and  skill,  as  in  half  an 
hour  to  do  so  much  injury  to  the  enemy,  as  to  compel  them  to 
haul  off  and  repair. 

It  was  evident  that  Commodore  Hillyar  meant  to  risk  nothing 
from  the  daring  courage  of  the  Americans;  all  his  manoeuvres 
were  deliberate  and  wary  ;  his  antagonist  was  in  his  power,  and 
his  only  concern  was  to  succeed  with  as  little  loss  to  himself  as 
possible.  The  situation  of  the  Essex  was  most  vexatious  to  our 
brave  countrymen  ;  many  of  whom  were  already  killed  and 
wounded,  and  from  the  crippled  state  of  their  ship,  they  were 
unable  to  bring  her  guns  to  bear  upon  the  enemy.  Her  gallant 
crew  were  not  disheartened  ;  aroused  to  desperation,  they  ex 
pressed  their  defiance  to  the  enemy,  and  their  determination  to 
hold  out  to  the  last. 

The  enemy  having  repaired,  now  placed  himself,  with  both 
ships  on  the  starboard  quarter  of  the  Essex,  where  none  of  her 
guns  could  be  brought  to  bear;  the  commodore  saw  no  hope 
but  in  getting  under  way  ;  the  flying  jib  was  the  only  sail  he 
could  set;  this  he  caused  to  be  hoisted,  cut  his  cable,  and  ran 
down  on  both  ships,  with  the  intention  of  laying  the  Phoebe  on 
board.  For  a  short  time  he  was  enabled  to  close  with  the  en 
emy,  and  the  firing  was  tremendous ;  the  decks  of  the  Essex 
were  strewed  with  dead,  and  her  cockpit  filled  with  the  wound 
ed;  she  had  been  several  times  on  fire,  and  was,  in  fact,  a  per 
fect  wreck.  At  this  moment,  a  feeble  hope  arose,  that  she  might 
still  be  saved,  in  consequence  of  the  Cherub  being  compelled  to 
haul  off  on  account  of  her  crippled  state;  she,  however,  kept 
up  her  fire  at  a  distance,  with  her  long  guns.  The  Essex  was 
unable,  however,  to  take  advantage  of  the  circumstance,  as  the 
Phcebe  edged  off,  and  also  kept  up,  at  a  distance,  a  destructive 
fire ;  the  former  being  totally  bereft  of  her  sails,  could  not  bring 
her  to  close  quarters. 

Commodore  Porter  finding  the  greater  part  of  his  crew  dis 
abled,  at  last  gave  up  all  hope,  and  attempted  to  run  his  vessel 
on  shore,  the  wind  at  that  moment  favouring  his  design ;  but  it 
suddenly  changed,  drove  her  close  upon  the  Phcebe,  exposing 


298  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

her  to  a  raking  fire.  The  ship  was  totally  unmanageable,  but 
as  she  drifted  with  her  head  to  the  enemy,  Commodore  Porter 
again  seized  a  faint  hope  of  being  able  to  board.  At  this  mo 
ment  Lieutenant  Dovvnes  came  on  board,  to  receive  orders,  ex 
pecting  that  his  commander  would  soon  be  a  prisoner.  His  ser 
vices  could  be  of  no  avail  in  the  present  deplorable  state  of  the 
Essex,  and  finding  from  the  enemy's  putting  up  his  helm,  that 
the  last  atte.i/pt  at  boarding  would  not  succeed,  Dovvnes  was 
directed  to  repair  to  his  ship,  to  be  prepared  for  defending-  and 
destroying  her,  in  case  of  an  attack. 

The  slaughter  on  board  the  Essex  now  became  horrible,  the 
enemy  continuing  to  rake  her  while  she  was  unable  to  bring  a 
single  gun  to  bear.  Still  her  commander  refused  to  yield  while 
a  ray  of  hope  appeared.  Every  expedient,  that  a  fertile  and 
inventive  genius  could  suggest,  was  resorted  to,  in  the  forlorn 
hope,  that  he  might  be  able,  by  some  lucky. chance,  to  escape 
from  the  grasp  of  the  foe.  A  hawser  was  bent  to  the  sheet  an 
chor,  and  the  anchor  cut  from  the  bows,  to  bring  the  ship's  head 
around.  This  succeeded  ;  the  broadside  of  the  Essex  was  again 
brought  to  bear;  and  as  the  enemy  was  much  crippled,  and  un 
able  to  hold  his  own,  the  commodore  thought  she  might  drift 
out  of  gunshot,  before  he  discovered  that  the  Essex  had  an 
chored  ;  but  alas  !  this  last  expedient  failed  ;  the  hawser  par 
ted,  and  with  it  went  the  last  lingering  hope  of  the  Essex. 

At  this  moment  her  situation  was  awful  beyond  description, 
She  was  on  fire  both  before  and  aft, the  flames  were  bursting  up 
her  hatchway,  a  quantity  of  powder  exploded  below,  and  word 
was  given  that  fire  was  near  her  magazine.  Thus  surrounded 
by  horrors,  without  any  chance  of  saving  his  ship,  he  turned 
his  attention  to  the  saving  as  many  of  his  gallant  companions 
as  he  could  ;  the  distance  to  the  shore  not  exceeding  three 
quarters  of  a  mile,  he  hoped  that  many  of  them  would  save 
themselves  before  the  ship  blew  up.  His  boats  being  cut  up, 
they  could  only  hope  to . escape  by  swimming;  by  some  this 
was  effected,  but  the  greater  part  of  his  generous  crew  resol 
ved  to  stay  by  the  ship,  and  share  the  fate  of  their  commander. 

They  now  laboured  to  extinguish  the  flames,  and  succeeded; 
after  this  they  again  repaired  to  their  guns,  but  their  strength 
had  become  so  much  exhausted,  that  this  effort  was  HI  vain. 
Commodoie  Porter  summoned  a  consultation  of  the  officers  of 
the  divisions,  when  to  his  astonishment  only  one  acting  lieuten 
ant  Stephen  Decatnr  M'Night,  appeared.  The  accounts  from 
every  part  of  the  ship  were  deplorable  indeed ;  she  was  in  im 
minent  danger  of  sinking,  and  so  crowded  with  the  wounded, 
that  even  her  birthdeck  could  hold  no  more,  and  several  were 
killed  under  the  surgeon's  hands.  In  the  mean  time  the  enemy, 
at  a  secure  distance,  continued  his  fire  ;  the  water  having  be- 


THE  UNITED  STATES. 

come  smooth,  he  struck  the  hull  of  the  Essex  at  every  shot.  At 
last,  despairing  of  saving  his  ship,  the  commodore  was  compel 
led,  at  twenty  minutes  pasi  six,  to  give  the  painful  orders  to 
strike  the  colours.  The  enemy,  probably  not  seeing  that  this 
had  taken  place,  continued  to  fire  for  ten  minutes  after,  "and 
Porter  was  about  to  give  orders  that  the  colours  should  again 
be  hoisted,  under  a  belief  that  the  enemy  intended  to  give  no 
quarters,  when  the  firing  ceased.  The  loss  on  board  the  Essex 
was  fifty-eight  killed,  thirty-nine  wounded  ^severely,  twenty- 
seven  shghtly,  and  thirty-one  missing.  The  loss  on  board  the 
British  vessels  was  five  killed  and  ten  wounded  ;  but  they  were 
both  much  cut  up  in  their  hulls  and  rigging  ;  the  Phoebe  could 
scarcely  be  kept  afloat  until  she  anchored  in  the  port  of  Valpa 
raiso  next  morning. 

Commodore  Porter  was  paroled,  and  permitted  to  return  to 
the  United  States  in  the  Essex  Junior,  which  was  converted 
into  a  cartel  for  the  purpose.  On  arrrvingr  off  the  port  of  New 
York,  the  vessel  was  detained  by  the  Saturn  razee,  and  to  tho 
disgrace  of  the  British  navy,  already  dishonoured  by  the  base 
attack  upon  this  gn.lant  officer,  he  was  compelled  to  give  up 
his  parole,  and  declare  himself  a  prisoner  of  war,  and,  as  such, 
he  informed  the  British  officer  that  he  would  attempt  his  escape. 
In  consequence  of  this  threa-,  the  Essex  Junior  was  ordered 
to  remain  under  the  lee  of  the  Saturn  ;  but  the  next  morning 
Commodore  Porter  put  off  in  liis  boat,  though  thirty  miles  from 
shore,  and  notwithstanding  the  pursuit  by  those  of  the  Saturn, 
arrived  safely  in  New-York."* 

In  Jhe  spring  of  1814,  Commodore  Barney  took  the  com 
mand  of  a  small  flotilla  of  gunboats  to  protect  the  inlets,  and 
small  rirers,  that  fall  into  the  Chesapeake  bay.  About  the  1st 
of  June,  the  enemy  entered  the  Chesapeake  bay  and  renewed 
their  ravages,  with  greater  severity  than  they  done  the  last 
year.  Sharp  and  frequent  rencounters  took  place,  upon  the 
water  and  upon  the  land  ;  but  the  enemy  succeeded  in  laying 
waste  the  country,  and  carrying  off  the  negroes,  through  the 
months  of  June  and  July. 

About  the  middle  of  August,  the  British  entered  the  Chesa 
peake  with  a  fleet  of  about  sixty  sail,  including,  transports, 
under  Admiral  Cockburn,  and  landed  about  six  thousand  men 
at  Benedict,  on  the  Patuxent,  under  the  command  of  general 
•  Ross. 

On  (he  22rl,  G?n.  Ross  reached  tho  WonJ-ytir.I  ($o  called) 
twelve  miles  from  Washington",  where  commodore  Barney 
caused  a  large  flotilla  of  gun-boats  to  be  destroyed,  to  prevent 
tlioir  tailing  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy. 

*  Brackonridg;e. 


300  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

On  the  23d,  General  Ross  reached  Bladensburgh,  six  miles 
from  Washington,  where  he  dispersed  the  tnilitia,  after  a  short 
resistance,  and  advanced  to  the  city.  Commodore  Barney  had 
assembled  a  small  force  in  defence  of  the  capital,  with  several 
eighteen  pounders,  and  made  a  stand  ;  but  he  was  soon  over 
powered  by  numbers,  wounded  and  taken  prisoner,  and  the 
capital  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  The  navy  yard  was 
destroyed. 

Here  stands  recorded  one  more  display  of  British  magna 
nimity.  By  order  of  Gen.  Ross,  the  capitol,  the  President's 
house,  and  executive  offices  were  burnt. 

The  enemy  retired  on  the  night  of  the  25th,  by  rapid  marches; 
regained  their  ships  and  embarked. 

A  detachment  from  this  fleet  visited  Alexandria  ;  plundered 
the  city,  and  carried  off  a  quantity  of  flour,  &c. 

During  these  troubles  at  the  south,  the  war  was  carried  on  at 
the  west,  which  did  honour  to  the  American  flag. 

In  the  midst  of  the  various  occurrences  of  the  war,  on  the 
northern  frontier,  on  the  sea-board,  and  on  the  ocean,  impor 
tant  preparations  were  making  to  the  westward  ;  and  although 
the  spring  and  summer  had  passed  away,  without  any  incident 
in  this  quarter  worthy  of  being  recorded,  they  had  not  passed 
inactive.  The  general  attention  was  now  turned  towards  it 
with  much  anxiety,  and  the  armies  of  the  Niagara  and  St.  Law- 
jence,  remained  almost  with  folded  arms,  awaiting  the  issue  of 
Harrison's  campaign,  and  the  result  of  the  contest  for  the  mas 
tership  of  lake  Erie.  The  British,  aware  of  the  consequence 
of  a  defeat,  had  with  great  assiduity  laboured  to  strengthen 
themselves.  The  reinforcements  continually  arriving  at  fort 
George,  were  evidently  destined  to  follow  up  the  advantages 
which  Proctor  might  gain,  in  conjunction  with  the  commander 
on  the  lake.  In  the  meanwhile,  the  neighbouring  states  of 
Kentucky  and  Ohio,  the  people  were  excited  in  a  most  surpris 
ing  degree  ;  had  it  been  necessary  they  would  have  risen  CM 
masse ;  almost  every  man  capable  of  bearing  a  musket,  was 
anxious  to  march.  The  governor  of  Ohio  had  scarcely 
issued  his  proclamation,  calling  on  volunteers,  (for  the  obliga 
tions  of  law  to  render  military  service  were  no  longer  thought 
of,)  than  fifteen  thousand  men  presented  themselves,  completely 
armed  and  equipped — more  than  five  times  the  number  required. 
The  venerable  governor  of  Kentucky,  Shelby,  a  revolutionary 
hero,  and  the  Nestor  of  the  present  war,  made  it  known  that  he 
would  put  himself  at  the  head  of  the  injured  citizens  of  that 
state,  and  lead  them  to  seek  revenge  for  the  murder  of  their 
relatives  and  friends  ;  but  limited  the  number  of  volunteers  to 
four  thousand.  The  ttate  of  Kentucky,  called  by  the  natives, 
41  the  dark  and  bloody  ground,"  forty  years  ago  waa  an  uniu- 


THE  UNITED  STAGES.  301 

habited  forest,  possessed  by  no  tribe  of  Indians;  but  from  time 
immemorial  the  theatre  of  sanguinary  wars.  ,  At  this  day,  it 
blooms  beneath  the  hand  of  agriculture,  it  is  filled  with  beauti 
ful  towns  and  villages;  and  is  the  abode  of  pence,  opulence  and 
refinement.  The  inhabitants  are  descended  from  the  planters 
of  Virginia  and  Noith  Carolina,  and  emigrants,  composed  of 
the  enterprising  and  intelligent  of  the  other  states.  Living  in 
abundance  and  at  their  ease,  and  more  remote  f&om  the  seats 
of  commerce,  they  have  imbibed  less  of  foreign  attachments  or 
feelings,  than  any  of  our  people  ;  and  are  perhaps  more  enthu 
siastically  devoted  to  the  institutions  of  freedom.  They  have 
notalittfeof  the  manners  of  chivalry  in  their  generous  and 
hospitable  deportment.  Fearless  of  danger,regarding  dishonor 
more  than  death,  but  with  these  qualities,  a  benevolence  and 
humanity,  which  has  scarcely  a  parallel.  Had  the  elJer  breth 
ren  of  our  confederacy  acted  like  this  younger  member,  the 
Canadas  would  have  been  ours,  and  Britain  would  never  have 
dared  to  insult  us  with  her  unwarrantable  pretensions. 

The  transactions  which  are  now  to  be  related,  may  justly 
rank  amongst  the  most  pleasing  to  our  feelings  and  national 
pride,  of  any  which  took  place  during  the  contest.  The  cam 
paign  opened  with  an  affair,  which,  though  comparatively  of 
smaller  consequence  than  some  others,  is  in  its  circumstances 
one  of  the  most  brilliant  tha:  occurred  during  the  war.  This 
was  the  unparalleled  defence  of  fort  Sandusky,  by  a  youth  of 
twenty-one  years  of  age.  In  August,  and  before  the  arrival  of 
the  Ohio  and  Kentucky  volunteers,  which  did  not  take  place 
until  the  following  month,  threatening  movements  had  been 
made  upon  all  the  different  forts,  established  by  the  Americans 
on  the  rivers  which  fall  into  lake  Erie.  After  the  siege  of  fort 
Meigs,the  British  had  been  considerably  reinforced  by  regulars, 
and  an  unusual  number  of  Indians,  under  their  great  leader 
Tecumseh.  It  was  all-important  to  reduce  these  forts  before 
the  arrival  of  the  volunteers.  Major  Croghan,  then  command 
ing  at  Upper  Sandusky,  having  received  intimation  that  the 
enemy  were  about  to  invest  the  fort  of  Lower  Sandusky,  had 
marched  to  this  place  with  some  additional  force,  and  had  been 
occupied  with  great  assiduity  in  placing  it  in  the  best  posture 
of  defence.  But  the  only  audition  of  importance,  which  the 
time  would  allow  him  to  make,  was  a  ditch  of  six  feet  deep  and 
nine  feet  wide,  outside  the  stockade  of  pickets,  by  which  these 
hastily  constructed  forts  are  enclosed,  but  which  can  afford  but 
a  weak  defence  against  aitillery.  He  had  but  one  six  pounder 
and  about  one  hundred  and  sixty  men,  consisting  of  regulars, 
and  detachments  of  the  Pittsburgh  and  Petersburg!!  volunteers. 
General  Harrison,  not  conceiving  it  practicable  to.  defend  the 
place,  ordered  young  Croghan  to  retire  on  the  approach  of  ill* 
26 


302  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

enemy,  after  having  destroyed  the  works.  This  our  young 
hero,  taking  the  responsibility  upon  himself,  determined  to  dis 
obey. 

On  the  first  of  August,  general  Proctor,  having  left  a  large 
body  of  Indians  under  Tecumseh,  to  keep  up  the  appearance 
of  a  siege  of  fort  Meigs,  arrived  at  Sandusky  with  about  five 
hundred  regulars,  seven  hundred  Indians,  and  some  gnn-boats. 
After  the  general  had  made  such  dispositions  of  his  troops,  as 
to  cut  off  the  retreat  of  the  garrison,  he  sent  a  flag  by  colonel 
Elliott  nnd  major  Chambers,  demanding  a  surrender,  accompa 
nied  with  the  usual  base  and  detestable  threats  of  butchery 
and  cold  blood  massacre,  if  the  garrison  should  hold  out.  A 
spirited  answer  was  retured  by  Croghan,  who  found  that  all  his 
companions,  chiefly  striplings  like  himself,  would  support  him 
to  the  last. 

When  the  flag  returned,  a  brisk  fire  was  opened  from  the 
gunboats  arid  howitzer,  and  which  was  kept  up  during  the 
night.  In  the  morning  they  opened  with  three  sixes,  which 
had  been  planted  under  cover  of  the  night,  within  two  hundred 
and  fifty  yards  of  the  pickets,  but  not  with  much  effect.  About 
four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  it  was  discovered  that  the  enemy 
had  concentrated  his  fire  against  the  northwest  angle,  with  the 
intention  of  making  a  breach.  This  part  was  immediately 
strengthened  by  the  apposition  of  bags  of  flour  and  sand,  so 
that  the  pickets  suffered  but  little  injury.  During  this  time,  the 
six  pounder  was  carefully  concealed  in  the  bastion,  which  cov 
ered  the  point  to  be  assailed,  and  it  was  loaded  with  slugs  and 
grape.  About  five  hundred  of  the  enemy  now  advanced  in 
close  column  to  assail  the  part  where  it  was  supposed  the  pick 
ets  must  have  been  injured:  at  the  same  time  making  several 
feints,  to  draw  the  attention  of  the  beseiged  to  other  parts  of 
the  fort :  their  force  being  thus  divided,  a  column  of  three 
hundred  and  fifty  men,  which  were  so  enveloped  in  smoke  as 
not  to  be  seen  until  they  approached  within  twenty  paces  of 
the  lines,  advanced  rapidly  to  the  assault.  A  fire  of  musketry 
from  the  fort,  fora  moment  threw  them  into  confusion,  but  were 
then  quickly  rallied  by  colonel  Short,  their  commander,  who, 
now  springing  over  the  outer  works  into  the  ditch,  commanded 
the  rest  to  follow,  crying  out  give  the  d d  Yankees  no  quar 
ter!"  Scarcely  had  these  detestable  words  escaped  his  lips, 
and  the  greater  part  of  his  followers  landed  in  the  ditch,  when 
the  six  pounder  opened  upon  them  a  most  destructive  fire, 
killing  and  wounding  the  greater  part,  and  amongst  the  first, 
the  wretched  leader,  who  was  sent  into  eternity,  before  his 
words  had  died  upon  the  air.  A  volley  o*'  musketry  was,  at 
the  same  tinie.  fired  upon  those  who  had  not  ventured.  The 
officer  who  succeeded  Short,  exasperated  at  being  thus  treated  by 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  303 

a  few  boys,  formed  his  broken  column,  and  again  rushed  to  the 
ditch,  where  he,  and  those  who  dared  to  follow  him,  met  with 
the  same  fate  as  their  fellow  soldiers.  The  small  arms  were 
again  played  on  them,  the  whole  British  force  was  thrown  into 
confusion,  and  in  spite  of  the  exertions  of  their  officers,  fled^to 
the  woods,  almost  panick  struck,  whither  they  were  soon  fol 
lowed  by  the  Indians.  Thus  were  these  men,  confident  of  suc 
cess,  and  detestable  in  the  intended  use  of  victory,  most  signal 
ly  chastised,  under  Providence,  by  a  force  scarce  a  tenth  of 
their  numbers.  Terror  indescribable  took  possession  of  the  as 
sailants,  and  they  retreated  towards  their  boats,  scarcely  daring 
to  cast  their  eyes  towards  the  fatal  spot,  while  they  were  fol 
lowed  by  their  allies  in  sullen  silence. 

If  this  gallant  defence  deserves  the  applause  of  the  brave, 
the  subsequent  conduct  of  the  heseignd  deserves  the  praise  of 
every  friend  of  humanity.  The  scene  which  now  ensued,  de 
serves  to  be  denominated  sublime.  The  little  band,  forgetting 
in  a  moment  th^t  they  had  been  assailed  by  merciless  foes,  who 
sought  to  massacre  them  without  regarding  the  laws  of  honor 
able  war,  now  felt  only  the  desire  of  relieving  wounded  men, 
and  of  administering  comfort  to  the  wretched.  Had  they  been 
friends,  had  they  been  brothers,  they  could  not  have  experien 
ced  a  more  tender  solicitude.  'The  whole  night  was  occupied 
in  endeavouring  to  assuage  their  sufferings ;  provisions  and 
buckets  of  water  were  handed  over  the  pickets,  and  an  opea- 
iug  was  made,  by  which  many  of  the  sufferers  was  taken  in, 
who  were  immediately  supplied  with  surgical  aid  ;  and  this, 
although  a  firing  was  kept  up  with  small  arms  by  the  enemy, 
until  some  time  in  the  night.  The  loss  of  the  garrison  amoun 
ted  to  one  killed  and  seven  wounded  ;  that  of  the  enemy,  it  is 
supposed,  to  be  at  least  two  hundred.  Upwards  of  fifty  were 
found  in  and  about  the  ditch.  It  was  discovered  next  morning, 
that  the  enemy  had  hastily  retreated,  leaving  a  boat  and  a 
considerable  quantity  of  military  stores.  Upwards  of  seventy 
stand  of  arms  were  taken,  besides  a  quantity  of  ammunition. 
The  Americans  were  engaged  during  the  day,  in  burying  the 
dead  with  the  honours  of  war,  and  providing  for  the  wounded. 

This  exploit  called  forth  the  admiiation  of  every  party  in  the 
United  States.  Croghan,  together  with  his  companions,  cap 
tain  Hunter,  and  lieutenants  Johnson,  Bayley,  and  Meeks,  of 
the  seventeenth  ;  Antbony,  of  the  twenty-fourth  ;  and  ensigns 
Ship  and  Duncan,  of  the  seventeenth,  together  with  the  other 
officers  and  volunteers,  were  highly  complimented  by  the  gen 
eral.  They  afterwards  received  the  thanks  ef  congress. 

iSif  cc 


Croghan  was  promoted   to  the  rank  of  lieutenant  colonel,  and 

was  pr 

eothe. 


was  presented  with  an   elegant  sword    by'^e   Indies  of  Chili- 


304  UNIVERSAL    HISTORY  OF 

Soon  after  this  nfiair  Tr-cumseh  raised  the  siege  effort  Meig9v 
and  followed  Proctor  to  Detroit ;  all  hope  was  now  given  uo 
by  the  enemy  of  reducing  these  forts,  until  they  could  gain  the 
ascendency  on  the  lake. 

The  utmost  exertions  had  been  made  in  the  meanwhile,  by 
captain  Perry,  to  complete  the  naval  armament  on  lake  Erie". 
By  the  fourth  of  August,  the  fleet  was  completed  ;  but  several 
of  the  vessels  were  with  difficulty  got  over  the  bar,  on  which  there 
are  but  five  feet  water.  He  sailed  in  quest  of  the  enemy,  but 
not  meeting  him,  returned  on  the  eighth,  and  after  icceiving  a 
reinforcement  of  sailors,  brought  by  captgin  Elliot,  sailed 
again  on  the  twelfth,  and  on  the  fifteenth  anchored  in  the  bay 
of  Sandusky.  Here,  after  taking  in  about  twenty  volunteer 
marines,  he  again  went  in  quest  of  the  enemy  -,  and  after  cruis 
ing  off  Maiden,  returned  to  Put-in-Bay,  a  distance  of  thirty 
miles.  His  fleet  consisted  of  the  brig-  Lawrence,  of  .20  guns; 
the  Niagara,  captain  Elliot,  of  twenty  ;  the  Caledonia,  lieuten 
ant  Turner,  three  ;  the  schooner  Ariel,  of  four  ;  the  Scorpion, 
of  two;  the  Somers,  of  two,  and  two  swivels;  Uie  sloop  Tnppe, 
and  schooners  Tygress  and  Porcupine,  of  one  gun  er.ch  ;  mak 
ing  a  fleet  of  nine  vessels  and  fifty-four  guns.  On  the  morning 
of  the  tenth  of  September,  the  enemy  was  discovered  bearing 
down  upon  the  American  squadron,  which  immediately  got  un 
der  weigh,  and  stood  out  to  meet  him.  Superiority  was  deci 
dedly  in  favour  of  the  British  ;  the  Americans  had  three  more 
vessels,  but  this  was  much  more  than  counterbalanced  by  the 
size  of  those  of  the  enemy,  and  the  number  of  their  guns. — 
Their  fleet  consisted  of  the  Detroit,  Captain  Barclay,  of  nine 
teen  guns,  and  two  howitzers  ;  the  Queen  Charlotte,  of  sev 
enteen  guns,  captain  Finnis  ;  the  schooner  Lady  Provost,  lieu 
tenant  Buchan,  of  thirteen  guns,  and  two  howitzers  ;  the  brig 
Hunter,  of  ten  guns  ;  the  sloop  Bittle  Belt,  of  three  ;  and  the 
schooner  Chippevva,  of  one  gun  and  two  swivels;  in  all  six 
vessels  and  sixty  three  guns. 

When  the  Americans  stood  out,  the  British  fleet  had  the 
weather  gage;  but  the  wind  soon  after  changed,  and  brought 
the  American  fleet  to  windward.  The  line  of  battle  was  form 
ed  at  eleven,  and  fifteen  minutes  before  twelve,  the  enemy's 
flag  ship,  the  Queen  Charlotte,  opened  her  fire  upon  the  Law 
rence,  which  she  sustained  for  ten  minutes,  before  she  could 
approach  near  enough  for  her  carronades  to  return.  She  there 
fore  bore  up,  making  signals  for  the  other  vessels  to  hasten  to 
her  support,  and  about  twelve,  brought  her  guns  to  bear  upon 
the  enemy.  Unfortunately,  the  wind  being  too  light,  the  re 
mainder  of  the  squadron  could  not  be  brought  up  to  her  assist 
ance,  and  she  w,as  compelled  to  contend,  for  two  hours,  with 
two  ships  of  equ$k  force.  The  contest  was,  notwithstanding. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  305 

kept  up  with  unshaken  courage  and  a  degree  of  coolness,  which 
deserves  admiration.  By  this  time  the  brig,  which  had  so  long 
borne  the  brunt  of  the  whole  of  the  British  force,  had  become  en 
tirely  unmanageable  ;  every  gun  was  dismounted,  and,  with  the 
exception  of  four  or  live,  her  whole  crew  either  killed  or  wound 
ed.  Perry  now,  with  admirable  presence  of  u>ind,  and  which 
drew  forth  the  praise  of  the  gallant  officer  to  whom  he  was  op 
posed,  resolved  to  shift,  his  flag,  leaped  into  his  boat,  and  he 
roically  waving  his  sword,  passed  unhurt  to  the  Niagara.  At 
the  moment  he  reached  the  Niagara,  he  saw  with  anguish  the 
flag  ot*  his  ship  come  down  ;  she  was  utterly  unable  to  make 
farther  resistance,  and  it  would  have  been  a  wanton  waste  of 
the  remaining  lives,  to  continue  the  contest;  the  enemy  was  not 
able  to  take  possession  of  her.  Captain  Eiiiott,  seconding  the 
design  of  the  commodore,  volunteered  to  bring  up  the  rest  of 
the  fleet:  for  at  this  critical  moment  the  wind  had  providentially, 
increased.  Perry  now  bore  down  upon  the  enemy  with  a  fresh 
ship;  and  passing  ahead  of  the  Detroit,  Q.ueeu  Charlotte,  and 
Ladv  Prevost,  poured  a  destructive  broadside  into  each  from 
iiis  sUrboard.  and  from  his  larboard  into  the  Chippewa  and  Lit 
tle  Belt.  In  this  manner  cutting  through  the  line,  he  was  with 
in  pistol  shot  of  the  Lady  Prevost,  which  received  so  heavy  a 
nre  as  to  coiapelher  men  to  run  below.  At  this  moment  the  Ca- 
led<.-nia  came  up,  and  opened  her  fire;  several  others  of  the 
squadron  were  enabled  soon  after  to  do  the  same.  For  a  time, 
tine  novel  and  important  combat  mingled  with  indescribable  vio 
lence  and  fury.  The  issue  of  a  campaign,  the  mastery  of  a  sea, 
the  glory  and  reuown  of  two  rival  nations,  matched  fur  the  first 
true  in  squadron,  were  the  incentives  to  the  content,.  But  it 
was  not  long  before  the  scale  turned  in  favour  of  Perry,  and 
his  ship,  the  Lawrence,  was  again  enabled  to  hoist  her  flag. 
The  Queen  Charlotte,  having  lost  her  captain  and  ail  her  prin 
cipal  officers,  by  some  mischance  ran  foul  of  the  Detroit,  and 
the  greater  parr  of  the  guns  of  both  ships  rendered  useless. 
They  were  now  compelled  to  sustain,  m  turn,  an  incessant  fire 
from  the  Niagara,  and  the  other  vessels  of  the  squadron.  T.,e 
flag  of  captain  Barclay  was  soon  after  struck,  and  those  of  the 
Queen  Charlotte,  the  Lady  Prevost,  the  Hunter,  and(the  Chippe 
wa,  came  down  in  succession  :  the  Liltie  Belt  attempted  to 
escape,  but  was  pursued  by  two  gunboats  and  captured. 

Thus  after  a  contest  of  three  hours,  was  this  unparalleled 
naval  victory  achieved,  in  which  every  vessel  of  the  enemy  was 
captured,  the  first  occurrence  of  the  kind  ever  recorded.  If 
any  thing  could  heighten  this  glorious  victory,  it  was  the  mod 
est  and  yet  sublime  manner  in  whicn  it  was  announced  by  the 
incomparable  Perry  :  WE  HAVE  MET  THE  E>EMY,  AND  THE* 
ARE  OBRS.  Britain  had  beeu  btaten  m  dingle  eombut  ;  slid 
26* 


306  UNIVERSAL    HISTORY  OF 

was  now  beaten  in  squadron,  where  she  had  conceived 
herself  invincible.  The  loss  in  this  bloody  affair,  was  very 
great  in  proportion  to  the  numbers  engaged."  The  Americans 
had  twenty  seven  killed  and  ninety  six  wounded;  amongst  the 
first,  were  lieutenant  Brooks,  of  the  marines,  and  midshipman 
Laub;  amongst  the  latter,  were  lieutenant  Yarnell,  sailing- 
master  Taylor,  purser  Hamilton,  and  midshipmen  Claxton  and 
Swartwout.  The  loss  of  the  British  was  about  two  hundred 
in  killed  and  wounded,  and  the  number  of  prisoners  amounted 
to  six  hundred,  exceeding  the  whole  number  of  the  Americans. 
Commodore  Barclay,  a  gallant  officer,  who  had.  lost  an  arm  at 
the  battle  of  Trafalgar,  was  severely  wounded,  and  the  loss  of 
officers,  on  the  side  of  the  British,  was  unusually  great.  Among 
the  officers  particularly  spoken  of  on  this  occasion,  were  captain 
Elliot,  lieutenants  Turner,  Edwards, 'Forest,  Clark,  and  Cum- 
mings,  besides  those  already  mentioned. 

The  victory  of  commodore  Perry  left  the  Americans  in 
peaceable  possession  of  Lake  Erie,  but  Detroit  and  Maiden 
still  remained  in  possession  of  the  British.  The  triumph  of  the 
American  arms  seemed  to  unite  conflicting  parties,  and  the 
kindness  extended  to  the  British  captives,  reflected  the  bright 
est  glory  on  our  country.  But  the  territory  still  occupied  by 
the  enemy  was  to  be  Retaken.  For  the  accomplishment  of  this 
purpose,  colonel  Johnson,  with  a  body  of  his  faithful  Ken- 
tuckians,  were  destined  to  act  against  Detroit,  and  general 
Harrison  was  to  march  against.  Maiden.  Finding  Maiden 
untenable,  the  British  general  destroyed,  and  then  evacuated  it. 
On  the  2d  of  October,  general  Harrison,  with  about  3500  men, 
commenced  a  pursuit,  and  on  the  5th,  the  enemy  was  overta 
ken.  Colonel  Johnson,  who  had  formed  a  junction  with  Gen. 
Harrison,  was  sentfonvaru  to  reconnoitre  the  British  and  In 
dian  forces,  gave  intelligence  that  the  enemy  were  pre 
pared  for  action,  at  tho  distance  of  a  few  milos.  On  their  left 
was  the  river,  ami  their  right  consisting  of  Indians,  under  Te- 
eumseh,  rested  on  a  swamp. 

The  American  force  consisted  of  Ohio  militia,  and  four  thou 
sand  Kentuckians>  the  flower  of  their  state,  commanded  by 
governor  Shelby,  who  arrived  at  the  camp  of  general  Harrison 
on  the  7th  of  September.  When  the  troops  approached  the 
river  Raisin,  which  had  been  the  scene  to  such  wanton  barbari 
ties,  they  halted  to  contemplate  for  a  while,  the  tragic  spot. 
With  feelings  which  language  must  fail  to  describe,  they  gath 
ered  up  the  undistinguishable  bones  of  friends  and  foes,  and  con 
signed  them  to  one  common  grave,  with  affecting  demonstra 
tions  of  grief. 

The  enemy  was  drawn  up  under  cover  of  the  beech  trees  by 
•which  the  narrow  strip  of  land  was  covered.  The  Americans 


THE   UNITED  STATES.  307 

were  soon  formed  in  battle  array.  General  Trotter's  brigade 
formed  the  front  line,  supported  by  Desna's  divisions  on  the 
left.  The  brigade  of  general  King  formed  the  second  Hue,  in 
rear  of  generaf  Trotter's,  and  Chile's  acted  as  a  corps  of  re 
serve,  both  under  the  command  of  major  general  Henry.  The 
brigades  averaged  live  hundred  men  each.  Governor  Shelby 
occupied  (he  angle  formed  the  brigades  of  Trotter  and  Desha. 
The  regular  troops,  numbering  only  one  hundred  and  twenty 
men,  were  formed  into  columns,  and  occupied  the  narrow  space 
between  the  river  and  the  road,  for  the  purpose  of  seizing  the 
artillery  should  the  enemy  be  repulsed.  The  order  of  general 
Harrison  was,  to  form  coloael  Johnson's  mounted  men  in  two 
lines,  in  front  of  the  Indians,  but  the  undersvood  being  too 
close,  for  cavalry  to  be  effective,  he  determined  on  a  new  mode 
of  attack. 

Knowing  the  dexterity  of  the  backwood's-men  in  riding1 
through  forests,  and  the  little  inconvenience  to  them  of  carry 
ing  their  rifles  in  such  a  situation,  he  determined  to  refuse  his 
left  to.  the  Indians,  and  charge  on  the  regulars  drawn  up  among 
the  beech  trees  ;  the  mounted  regiment  was  accordingly  drawn 
up  in  front.  The  army  moved  on  but  a  short  distance  in  this 
way,  when  the  mounted  men  received  the  enemy's  fire  and 
were  instantly  ordered  to  charge.  The  horses,  in  front  of  the 
column  at  first  recoiled  from  the  fire;  but  soon  after  got  in  mo 
tion,  and  immediately  at  full  speed  broke  through  the  enemy 
with  irre=istible  force.  In  one  minute  the  contest  was  over  in 
front.  The  mounted  men  instantly  formed  in  the  rear,  and 
poured  a  destructive  fire,  and  were  about  to  make  another 
charge,  when  the  British  officers,  finding  it  impossible  to  form 
their  broken  ranks,  immediately  surrendered. 

Upon  the  left,  the  onset  was  begun  byTecumseh  with  great 
fury.  Colonel  R.  M.  •Johnson,  who  commanded  on  that  flank 
of  his  regiment,  received  a  galling  lire,  which  he  returned  with 
effect,  while  the  Indians  advanced  towards  the  point  occupied 
by  governor  Shelby;  and  at  first  made  an  impression  on  it; 
but  the  aged  warrior  brought  a  regiment  lo  its  support.  The 
combat  now  raged  with  increasing  fury  ;  the  Indians  to  the 
number  of  twelve  or  fifteen  hundred,  seemed  determined  to 
maintain  their  ground  to  the  last.  The  terrible  voice  of  Te- 
cumseh  could  be  distinctly  heard,  encouraging  his  warriors  ; 
and  although  beset  on  every  side,  excepting  on  that  of  the 
morass,  they  fought  with  more  determined  courage  than  had 
ever  been  witnessed  in  these  people.  An  incident  soon  occur 
red,  however,  which  decided  the  contest.  Colonel  Johnson 
rushed  towards  the  spot  where  the  war-iors,  clustering  around 
their  undaunted  chief,  appeared  resolved  to  perish  by  his  side  ; 
in  a  moment  a  hundred  rifles  were  aimed  at  the  Americae, 


308  '       UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

whose  uniform  and  white  horse  which  he  rode  rendered  a  con 
spicuous  object  ;  his  holsters,  dress,  and  accoutrements,  were 
pierced  with  bullets,  his  horse  and  himself  receiving  a  number 
of  wounds.  At  the  instant  his  horse  was  about  to  sink  under 
him,  the  daring  Kentuckian,  covered  with  blood  from  his 
wounds,  was  discovered  by  Teeumseh  :  the  chief  having  dis 
charged  his  rifle,  sprang  forward  with  his  tomahawk,  but 
struck  with  the  appearance  of  the  warrior  who  btood  before 
him,  hesitated  for  a  moment,  and  that  moment  was  hi*  • 
last.  Tiie  Kentuckian  levelled  a  pistol  at  his  breast,  aud  they 
both,  almost  at  the  same  instant,  fell  to  the  ground.  The 
Kentuekians  rushed  forward  to  the  rescue  of  their  leader,  and 
the  Indians,  no  longer  hearing  the  voiee  of  Teeumseh  soon 
after  fled.  Near  the  spot  where  this  seeno  occurred,  thirty  In 
dians  were  found  dead,  and  six  whites." 

Thus  fell  Teeumseh,  the  most  celebrated  Indian  warriour 
that  over  raised  the  tomahawk  against  us,  and  with  him  fell 
the  last  hope  of  our  Indian  enemies.  This  mighty  warriour 
was  the  determined  foe  of  civilization,  and  had  for  years  been 
labouring  to  unite  all  the  Indian  tribes  in  opposing-  the  progress 
of  the  settlements  to  the  westward.  Had  such  a  man  opposed 
the  European  colonists  on  their  firstarrival,  this  continent,  in  all 
probability,  would  still  have  been  a  wilderness.  To  those  who 
prefer  a  savage,  uncultivated  waste  inhabited  by  wolves  and 
panthers,  arid  by  men  more  savage  still,  to  the  busy  city,  to  the 
peaceful  hamlet  and  cottage,  to  science  and  the  comforts  of  civi 
lization,  to  such  it  may  be  a  source  of  regret  that  Teeumseh 
came  too  late.  But  if  the  cultivation  of  the  earth,  and  the  cul 
tivation  of  the  human  intellect  and  the  human  virtues,  are 
agreeable  in  the  sight  of  the  Creator,  it  may  be  a  just  cause  of 
felicitation  that  this  champion  of  barbarism  was  the  ally  of 
Great  Britain,  at  a  period,  when  he  could  only  draw  down 
destruction  on  his  own  head,  by  savagely  daring  what  was 
beyond  his  strength.  But  Tecurnseh  fell  respected  by  his  en 
emies,  as  a  great  and  a  magnanimous  chief.  Although  he  sel 
dom  took  prisoners  in  battle,  he  treated  well  those  that  had 
been  taken  by  ftthers  ;  a«d,  at  the  defeat  of  Dudley,  actually 
put  to  death  a  chief  whom  he  found  engaged  in  the  work  of 
massacre.  He  had  been  in  almost  every  engagement  with  the 
whites  since  Harmer-'s  defeat,  although  at  his  death,  he  scarce 
ly  exceeded  forty  years  of  age.  Tecurnseh  had  received  the 
stamp  of  greatness  from  the  hand  of  nature,  and  had  his  lot 
been  cast  in  a  different  state  of  society,  he  would  have  shone 
RS  one  of  the  most  distinguished  of  men.  He  was  endowed 
with  a  powerful  mind,  with  the  soul  of  a  hero.  There  was  an 
uncommon  dignity  in  his  countenance  and  manners  ;  by  the 
former  he  could  be  easily  discovered  even  after  death,  among 


THE  UNITED   STATES.  309 

the  rest  of  the  slain,  for  he  wore  no  insignia  of  distinction. 
Whoa  gmle.1  with  a  silk  sneh,  and  told  by  general  Proctor 
That  he  was  mado  a  brigadier  in  the  British  service,  for  his 
conduct  at  Brownstown  and  Magagua,  he  returned  the  present 
with  respectful  contempt.  Born  >vith  no  title  to  command, 
but  his  nutivj  greatness,  every  tribe  yielded  submission  to  hira 
at  once,  and  no  one  ever  disputed  his  precedence.  Subtle  and 
fierce  in  war,  he  possessed  uncommon  eloquence, — his  speeches 
might  bear  a  comparison  with  those  of  the  most  celebrated  or 
ators  of  Greece  and  Rome.  His  invective  was  terrible,  as  we 
had  frequent  occasion  to  experience,  anJ  as  may  be  seen  in 
the  reproaches  which  he  applied  to  Proctor,  a  few  days  before 
his  death,  in  a  speech  which  was  found  amongst  the  papers  of 
the  British  officers.  His  form  was  uncommonly  elegant  ;  his 
stature  about  six  feet,  his  limbs  perfectly  proportioned.  He 
was  honourably  interred  by  the  victors,  by  whom  he  was  held 
in  much  respect,  as  an  inveterate,  but  a  magnanimous  ene- 
emy. 

The  loss  of  the  Americans  in  this  engagement,  was  more 
than  fifty  killed  and  wounded,  among  whom  was  colonel  \Vhite- 
ly  a  revolutionary  soldier,  killed.  The  loss  ofthe  British  was 
nineteen  killed  and  fifty  wounded.  Six  hundred  were  taken 
prisoners,  ofthe  Indians,  one  hundred  and  twenty  were  left  on 
the  field.  Several  pieces  of  cannon,  taken  in  the  revolution, 
and  which  had  been  surrendered  by  general  Hull,  were  trophies 
of  this  victory.  General  Proctor  fled  when  the  charge  wai 
made,  and  escaped  down  the  Thames,  by  means  ot  fleet  norses. 
though  closely  pursued.  His  carnage  together  with  his  pri 
vate  papers,  was  left  in  his  haste  to  retreat. 

The  time  was  now  come,  which  would  prove  w-hether  the 
stigma  past  upon  the  chivalrous  people  of  Kentucky  by  the  in 
famous  Procter,  in  order  that  his  own  atrocious  conduct  might 
escape  notice,  was  founded  in  truth.  It  was  now  seen  wheth 
er,  to  use  the  words  of  this  monster,  they  were  a  "•  ferocious 
and  mortal  foe,  using  the  same  mode  of  warfare,  with  the  allies 
of  Britain/'  The  recollection  of  the  affair  of  the  river  Raisin 
might  have  justified  revenge  :  and  what  is  more,  the  iustr.i- 
ments  who  perpetrated  those  horrid  deeds  were  now  at  their 
disposal;  bereft  of  hope  by  this  signal  dei'eai  and  the  loss  tf 
their  great  leader,  the  savages  sued  for  peace,  and  as  an  parn- 
estof  their  sincerity,  offered  to  raise  theirtomahawkson  the  side 
ofthe  U.  States,  and  to  inflict  upon  the  British  prisoners,  the 
same  abominable  cruelties,  they  had  practised  oa  the  Ameri 
cans.  But  the  Kentuckians,  to  their  honour,  far  from  giving 
way  to  the  passions  ofrevenge,  forebore  even  a  word,  or  look 
of  insult  ;  there  was  not  even  an  allusion  to  the  murder  of  their 
brothers  and  friends  ;  the  prisoners  were  distributed  in  Email 


310  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

parties,  in  the  interior  towns,  and  although  extremely  insulting 
in  their  deportment,  were  not  merely  treated  with  humanity, 
but  in  many  places  actually  caressed  and  fed  with  dainties  by 
the  compassionate  inhabitants.  This  treatment  was  carried  to 
an  excess,  which  might  properly  deserve  the  name  of  folly  ; 
were  it  not  a  noble  mode  of  revenge  for  what  our  countrymen 
at  that  moment  endured -in  (he  British  dungeons  on  the  land, 
arid  in  the  floating  prisons  on  the  sea,  where  they  underwent 
every  spc-cies  of  distress,  wretchedness  and  torture. 

The  Indian  war  now  ceased,  and  our  frontier  rested  in  secu 
rity.  Most  of  the  volunteers  returned  home.  General  Harri 
son  stationed  general  Cass  at  Detroit,  with  about  one  thousand 
men,  and  proceeded  with  the  remainder  to  join  the  central  ar 
my  at  Buffalo.  About  this  time,  at  the  request  of  general  Vin 
cent,  a  correspondence  was  opened  between  him  and  general 
Harrison,  relative  to  the  treatment  of  the  British  prisoners. 
After  assuring  the  British  general  that  the  request  to  treat  his 
prisoners  with  humanity,  was  unnecessary,  he  referred  him  to 
the  treatment  experienced  by  American  captives,  and  referred 
him  to  the  scenes  which  had  transpired  at  the  river  Raisin,  the 
Miami,  others  of  a  similar  complexion,  and  wished  to  be  infor 
med  whether  the  Indians  should  be  permitted  to  repeat  those 
cruelties.  His  words  are  worthy  of  remembrance. 

"  Use  then,  I  pray  you,  your  authority  and  influence  to  stop 
the  dreadful  effusion  of  innocent  blood,  which  proceeds  from 
the  employment  of  those  savage  monsters,  whose  aid,  as  must 
now  bo  discovered,  is  so  little  to  be  depended  on  when  most 
wanted,  and  which  can  have  so  trifling  an  effect  on  the  issue  of 
war.  The  effect  of  their  barbarities  will  not  be  confined  to  the 
present  generation.  Ages  yet  to  come  will  feel  the  deep  root 
ed  hatred  and  enmity,  wnich  they  must  produce  between  the 
two  nations.'1 

The  reply  of  general  Vincent  was  not  unlike  that  of  sir  Sid 
ney  Beckwith,  vague  and  evasive.  He  expressed  kimself  per 
fectly  satisfied  on  the  score  of  the  treatment  of  the  prisoners, 
but  with  respect  to  the  other  topics,  he  declined  saying  any 
thing;  it  was  beyond  his  power  to  give  an  explicit  answer; 
but  he  pledged  his  honour  that  to  the  utmost  of  his  power,  he 
would  join  with  general  Harrison  in  alleviating  the  calamities 
of  war.  Although  general  Harrison  pledged  himself  to  produce 
proofs  of  every  tiling  which  he  stated,  general  Vincent  chose  to 
be  silent  upon  the  subject  ;  neither  disavowing  that  such  acts 
were  sanctioned  by  the  British  government,  nor  calling  the 
truth  of  them  in  question  ;  they  will,  therefore,  remain  an  in 
delible  stigma  on  the  British  name. 

The  successes  of  the  north  western  army,  and  the  victory  on 
Lake  Erie,  prepared  the  way  for  the  invasion  of  Canada.  A 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  311 

more  formidable  force  was  collected  on  the  frontier,  than  here 
tofore,  under  more  experienced  officers,  and  the  Indians  had 
declared  against  the  enemy.  The  public  mind  was  elated,  and 
a  fit  opportunity  presented  for  the  invasion  of  Canada. 

General  Armstrong  was  at  the  head  of  the  war  department, 
and  much  was  expected  from  his  experience  and  zeal.  Im 
provements  were  introduced,  especially  in  the  selection  of  offi 
cers.  The  Secretary  proceeded  to  the  northern  frontier,  to 
put  his  plans  into  operation.  The  plan  was  perhaps  judicious, 
but  the  season  was  too  far  advanced,  to  accomplish  his  inten 
tions. 

General  Dearborn  resigned,  and  general  Wilkinson  was  cal 
led  from  the  southern  army  to  supply  his  place. — He  issued  an 
order  which  gave  general  satisfaction,  and  much  was  expected 
from  his  military  science.  The  force  directly  under  his  com 
mand,  amounted  to  eight  thousand  men,  and  he  expected  to  be 
joined  in  October  by  the  force  under  general  Harrison.  Gene 
ral  Hampton  commanded  about  four  thousand  men  at  Platts- 
burg.  The  plan  was,  to  descend  the  St.  Lawrence,  pass  the 
British  posts  above,  form  a  junction  with  general  Hampton,  and 
invade  Montreal. 

The  army,  which  had  been  distributed  in  different  corps, 
and  stationed  at  various  points,  was  now  to  be  concentrated  at 
gome  place  most  convenient  for  its  embarkation.  For  this 
purpose  Grenadier's  Island,  which  lies  between  Sackett's  Har 
bour  and  Kingston,  was  selected,  on  account  of  its  contiguity  to 
the  St.  Lawrence,  as  the  most  proper  place  of  rendezvous.  On 
the  second  of  October,  general  Wilkinson  left  fort  George, 
with  the  principal  body  of  the  troops,  and  soon  reached  the 
island,  where  he  occupied  himself  incessantly  in  making  the 
necessary  preparations  for  the  prosecution  of  his  enterprise. 
He  several  times  visited  Sackett's  Harbour,  at  which  place  the 
troops  first  arrived,  and  after  receiving  their  necessary  supplies 
proceeded  to  the  place  of  rendezvous.  Colonel  Scott,  whom  he 
had  left  in  command  at  fort  George,  was  ordered  to  embark 
with  his  regiment  of  artillery,  and  colonel  Randolph's  infantry, 
on  board  a  vessel  of  the  squadron,  and  proceed  to  the  island. 
Colonel  Dennis  was  left  in  the  command  of  Sackett's  Harbour; 
and  the  general  having  provided  a  sufficient  number  of  boats 
to  transport  the  artillery  through  the  St.  Lawrence,  proceeded 
to  put  the  troops  in  motion.  By  the  twenty-third  the  troops 
thus  collected, exceeded  seven  thousand  men, and  were  compos 
ed  of  tolonel  Porter's  light  artillery,  a  few  companies  of  colo 
nels  Scott's  and  Macomb's  regiments  of  artillery,  twelve  regi 
ments  of  infantry,  and  Forsythe's  rifle  corps. 

General  Brown,  now  a  brigadier  in  the  service  of  the  U»i- 
leJ  States,  was  ordered  to  take  the  command  of  the  advance 


312  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

of  the  army  at  this  place.  On  the  first  of  November,  a  Brit 
ish  squadron  made  its  appearance  near  French  creek,  with 
a  large  hody  of  infantry;  a  battery  of  three  eighteen  pounders, 
skilfully  managed  by  captains  M'Pherson  and  Fanning,  soon 
forced  them  to  retire.  The  attack  was  renewed  the  next 
morning,  but  with  no  better  success ;  and  as  (he  other  corps  of 
the  army  now  daily  arrived,  the  enemy  thought  proper  to  move 
off.  On  the  sixth,  the  army  was  put  in  motion,  and  in  the 
evening  landed  a  few  miles  above  the  British  fort  Prescott. 
After  reconnoitering  the  passage  at  this  place,  and  finding  that 
the  fort  commanded  the  river,  general  Wilkinson  directed  the 
fixed  ammunition  to  be  transported  by  land  to  a  safe  point  below, 
and  determined  to  take  advantage  of  the  night  to  pass  with  the 
flotilla,  while  the  troops  were  marched  to  the  same  point,  leav 
ing  on  board  the  boats  merely  a  sufficient  number  to  navigate 
them.  Availing  himself  of  a  heavy  fog  which  came  en  in  the 
evening,  the  commander  endeavoured  to  pass  the  fort  unobser 
ved  ;  but  the  weather  clearing  up,  and  the  moon  shining,  he 
was  discovered  by  the  enemy,  who  opened  a  heavy  fire. 
•General  Brown,  who  was  in  the  rear  with  the  flotilla,  thought 
it  prudent  to  land  for  the  present,  until  the  night  should  grow 
darker.  He  then  proceeded  down  the  river,  but  not  without 
being  discovered,  and  again  exposed  to  a  severe  cannonade  ; 
notwithstanding  which,  not  one  out  of  three  hundred  boats  suf 
fered  the  slightest  injury.^  Before  ten  o'clock  the  next  day, 
they  had  all  safely  arrived  at  the  place  of  destination.  A  mes 
senger  was  now  despatched  to  general  Hampton,  informing 
him  of  the  movement  of  the  army,  and  requiring  his  co-opera- 
tion. 

The  enemy  having  discovered  the  design  of  the  Americans, 
determined  to  counteract  it.  Parties  were  posted  where  they 
could  annoy  our  boats  by  musket  shot,  and  the  illness  of  the 
Commander-in-chief,  augmented  alarmingly. 

The  army  was  delayed  for  half  a  day  in  extricating  two  schrs. 
loaded  with  with-ptovisions,  which  had  been  driven  into  a  part 
of  the  river  near  O'gdens  burgh,  by  the  enemy's  fire.  A  corps 
d'elite  of  twelve  hundred  men,  under  Colonel  M'Comb,  being 
despatched  to  remove  the  obstructions  to  the  descent  of  the 
army,  at  three  o'clock  he  was  followed  by  the  main  body.  On 
passing  the  first  rapids  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  the  barge  of  the 
comrnamler-in-ehief  was  assailed  by  two  pieces  of  artillery,  but 
without  any  other  injury  than  cutting  the  ringing.  The  atten 
tion  of  the  enemy  was  soon  diverted  by  lieutenant  colonel 
Eustis  who  returned  their  fire  from  som?  light  bargos,  while 
major  Forsythe  at  the  same  time,  landed  some  of  his  riflemen, 
attacked  them  unexpectedly,  and  carried  off  three  pieces  of 
their  artillery.  The  flotilla  came  to  about  six  miles  below 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  313 

and  that  the  dragoons  attached  to  the  first  division  of  the  ene 
my,  had  been  collected  at  a  place  ealledthe  White  House,  at  a 
contraction  of  the  river ;  to  which  point  the  flotilla  was  ordered 
the  next  morning  to  proceed.  On  arriving-  at  this  place  en  the 
eighth,  g-enerai  Brown  was  ordered  to  go  forward  with  his 
brigade,  to  reinforce  colonel  M'Comb,  and  take  command  of 
the  advance,  while  the  commander-in-c!;ief  directed  the  trans 
portation  of  the  dragoon?  across  the  St.  Lawrence.  The  last 
was  completed  during  the  night. 

The  British  now  determined  to  harass  the  Americans.  On 
the  9th,  a  skirmish  occurred  between  the  American  riflemen 
and  a  party  of  nalitia  and  Indians. 

In  the  course  of  the  day,  the  cavalry  and  four  piecos  of  ar 
tillery  under  captain  M'Pherson,  were  ordered  to  ckjar  the 
coast  as  far  as  the  head  of  the  Longue  Snut  ;  and  in  the  eve 
ning  the  army  arrived  at  a  place  called  the  Yellow  House, 
which  stands  near  the  Saut.  As  the  passage  of  this  place  was 
attended  with  considerable  difficulty,  on  account  of  the  rapidi 
ty  of  the  current  and  of  its  length,  it  was  deemed  prudent  to 
wait  until  the  next  day,  and  in  the  meanwhile  it  became  neces- 
gary  to  use  the  utmost  precaution. 

On  the  morning  of  the  tenth,  general  Brown  with  the  troops 
under  his  command,  excepting  two  pieces  of  artillery,  and  tie 
second  regiment  of  dragoons,  was  ordered  to  march  in  the  ad 
vance  of  the  army.  A  regard  for  the  safety  of  the  men,  had 
induced  thr  commander-in-chief  to  retain  as  few  of  the  troops 
in  the  boats  as  possible,  on  account  of  the  exposure  to  vvh:c:i 
they  would  be  subject,  in  the  long  and  dangerous  passage  of 
these  rapids,  and  where  the  enem\  had  in  all  probability  es'ab- 
lisbed  batteries  !'<  -;•  'he  purpose  of  impeding  their  descent.  The 
second  regiuieni  of  dragoons,  and  a  considerable  portion  of  the 
other  brigades,  which  had  been  withdrawn  from  the  boats, 
were  ordered  to  follow  under  general  Boyd,  the  steps  of  gener 
al  Brown,  to  prevent  the  enemy  who  were  s'ill  hanging  ou  the 
rear  of  the  army,  from  making  any  advantageous  attack-  Gen. 
Brown  now  commenced  his  march  at  the  .head  of  his  troops, 
consisting  principally  of  colonel  M'Comb's  artillery, .and  a  part 
of  Scott's  part  of  the  light  artillery,  the  riflomen,  and  the  sixth, 
fifteenth  and  twenty-second  regiments.  Ii  was  not  long  before 
he  found  himself  engaged  with  a  strong  party  at  a  block  house 
near  the  Saut,  which  after  a  contest  of  a  few  minutes,  was 
repulsed  by  the  riflemen  under  Forsythe,  who  was  severely 
wounded.  About  the  same  time  some  of  the  enemy's  galleys 
approached  the  flotilla,  which  had  landed  and  commenced  a  firo 
upon  it,  by  which  a  number  of  boats  were  injured  ;  two  eighteen 
pounders,  however,  being  hastily  run  on  shore,  a  fire  from  them 
soon  compelled  the  assailants  to  retire.  The  day  being  now 
27 


.-514  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

too  far  spent  to  nt tempt  the  Saut,  it   was  resolved  to   postpone 
ii  until  the  day  following. 

At  ten  o'clock  on  the  eleventh,  at  the  moment  that  the  flo 
tilla  was  about  to  proceed,  and  when  at  the  same  time,  the  di 
vision  under  general  Bo\ii,  consisting  of  his  own  and  the  brig 
ades  of  generals  Govington  and  Swartwout,  were  drawn  up  in 
marching  ordi;r,  an  ulnrm  was  given  that  the  enemy  was  dis 
covered  approaching  in  column.  The  commander-in-chief  and 
general  Lewis,  being  both  loo  much  indisposed  to  lake  the 
command,  general  Boyd  was  ordered  to  face  about  and  attack 
the  approaching  army.  The  enemy's  galleys  had  at  the  same 
lime  approached,  for  the  purpose  of  attacking  the  rear  of  the 
American  flotilla.  General  13o)d  now  advanced  with  his  de 
tachment  formed  in  three  columns,  and  ordered  a  part  of  gene 
ral  Swartwout's  brigade  to  move  forward,  and  briiig  the  enemy 
to  action.  Colonel  Ripley,  accordingly  at  the  head  of  the 
twenty-first  regiment,  passed  the  wood  which  skirts  the  open 
ground  called  Chrystier's  field,  and  drove  in  several  of  the 
enemy's  parties.  On  entering  the  field,  he  met  the  advance  of 
the  British,  consisting  of  the  forty-ninth  and  the  Glengary 
fencibles.  Colonel  Ripley  immediately  ordered  a  charge,  which 
was  executed  with  such  surprising  firmness,  that  these  two  reg 
iments,  nearly  double  his  numbers,  were  compelled  to  retire  ; 
and  on  making  a  stand,  were  a  second  time  driven  before  the 
bayonet,  and  compelled  to  pass  over  the  ravines  and  fences,  bj 
which  the  field  was  intersected,  until  they  fell  on  their  main 
body  .General  Covington  had.  before  this,  advanced  upon  the 
right  of  the  enemy,  where  his  artillery  was  posted,  and  at  the 
moment  colonel  Ripley  bad  astailed  the  left  flank,  the  right 
was  forced  by  a  determined  onset,  and  success  appeared 
scarcely  doubtful.  Unfortuntlely,  however,  general  Coving- 
ington,  whose  activity  had  rendered  him  conspicuous,  became 
a  mark  for  the  sharp  shooters  of  the  enemy  stationed  in  Chryst 
ier's  house,  and  lie  was  shot  from  his  horse.  The  fall  of  tlm 
gallant  officer  arrested  the  progress  of  the  brigade,  and  the 
artillery  cf  the  enemy  ihrev  it  into  confusion,  and  caused  it  to 
fall  back  in  disorder."  The  British  commander  now  wheeled 
part  of  his  line  into  column,  with  the  view  of  capturing  pome 
pieces  of  artillery,  which  were  no  lunger  supported.  A  body 
ol"  dragoons,  under  the  adjutant-general,  Waltnich,  attempted, 
in  a  very  gallant  manner,  to  charge  the  British  rolijinn,  but 
from  the  nature  of  the  ground  was  not  successful.  At  this 
critical  moment,  colonel  Ripley,  who  had  been  engaged  with 
the  enemy's  left  flank,  threw  his  regiment  between  ttie  artille 
ry  and  the  advancing  column,  and  frustrated  tttrir  de«-ign.  The 
iJritish  fell  bnck  with  precipitation.  The  region  nts  which  hsd 
broken  had  aot  retired  from  the  field,  bul  still  continued  t» 


THE  UNITED  STATED 

keep  up  an  irregular  fight  with  various  success ;  and  the 
twenty-first  having  by  this  time  expended  its  ammunition,  and 
being'much  exposed,  was  withdrawn  to  another  position,  and 
in  the  meanwhile  the  enemy  again  attempted  to  possess  them 
selves  of  the  artillery.  One  picco  was  unfortunately  captured 
by  them,  in  consequence  of  the  death  of  lieutenant  Wiiliam 
S.  Smith,  who  commanded  it;  the  others  were  brought  off 
by  the  coolness  in-l  bravery  of  captain  Armstrong-  Irvine. 
The  actirtn  soon  after  ceased,  having  been  kept  up  for  two  hours 
by  little  better  than  raw  troops  against  an  equal  number  of 
veterans.  The  British  force  consisted  of  detachments  from  the 
forty  ninth,  eighty  fourth,  hundred  and  fourth,  the  Volligcure, 
and  the  Glengary  reghnenf.  The  enemy  soon  after  retired  to 
their  camp,  and  tMe  American*  to  their  b 

In  this  battle  the  loss  of  ihe  Americans,  in  killed  and  wound 
ed,  amounted  to  three  hundred  and  thirty-nine,  of  whom  one 
hundred  and  two  were  killed  :  amon*  these  were  lieutenants 
Smith,  Hunter,  a  among  the  wounded,  were  gen 

eral  Covington,  who  afterwards  died  ;  colonel  Preston,  majors 
Chambers,  Noon  and  Cum  ning*  ;  cip:ams  Townsend,  Foster, 
.  Campbell,  and  Murdock  ;  and  lieutenants  Heaton, 
Williams,  Lynch,  Pelham,  Brown,  and  Cheery.  The  British 
loss  could  not  have  been  less  than  that  of  ihe  Americans. 

This  appears  to  Inve  been  a  drawn  battle,  the  British  and 
Americans  both  leaving  the  ground.  On  the  llth.  the  army 
joined  the  advance  near  Barnharl.  The  commander-in-chief 
received  information  fro-n  General  Hampton,  which  puts  an 
rnd  to  the  design  against  Montreal. 

a  few  days  before  the   battle  of  Chrystler'a 
field,    the   Commander-in-chief    had  given   orders   to    general 
Hampton  to  meet  him  at  St.  Regis  :   but   soon  after  this  order, 
a  letter  was  received   from'  General  HnmpJon.  in   which,  after 
stating1  that  from  the  disclosure  of  the  state  of  general  Wilkin- 
-  ipply  of  provisions,  and  the  situation  of  the  roads  to  S*. 
.   which   rend'r-'d    it  imp.»-ib!o   to    transport   a   greater 
quantity  than  could  be  carried  by  a  man  on   Ins  back,   he  had 
lined  to  open  a  communication  from  PlaUsburgh  to  Con- 
ewago,  or  by  any  other  point  on  the  Sf.  Liwrence,  which  the 
••inder-in  chief  might  indicate.     General  Hampton  some 
time  before  thi-»,  with  a  view  to  a  further  movement  of  troop*, 
had  descended  the  Chatcaujjay  river:  about  the  same  time  that 
ihe  army  was  concentrated  on  lake  Ontario.     Sir  George  Pre- 
rceiving  this  movement  towards  Montreal,  had  collected 
>  force  at  this  point  to   oppose  the    march  of  Hampton. 
On  the  twenty  first  of  October  this  officer  crossed  the  line,  b'it 
Koon  found  his  road  obstructed  by  fallen  timber,  and  the  ambsi*- 
cadc  of  ita  enemy's  militia  an^  of  consider- 


316  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

able  extent  would  have  to  be  passed,  before  they  could  reach 
the  open  country,  and  while  the  engineers  were  engaged  in 
catting  a  way  through,  colonel  Purdy  was  detached  with  the 
light  troops  and  one  regiment  of  the  line,  to  turn  their  flank, 
and  then  seize  on  the  open  country  below.  In  this  he  succeed 
ed,  and  the  army  by  the  next  day  reached  the  position  of  the 
advance.  But  it  was  discovered  that  aboutseven  miles  further, 
there  was  a  wood  which  had  been  felled  and  formed  into  an 
abatis,  and  thai  a  succession  of  breast  works,  some  of  them 
well  supplied  with  artillery,  had  been  formed  by  the  main  body 
of  the  enemy.  Colonel  Purdy,  on  the  twenty  fifth,  was  ordered 
to  march  down  the  river  on  the  opposite  side,  and  on  passing 
the  enemy,  to  cross  over,  and  attack  him  in  his  rear,  whilst  the 
brigade  under  general  Izard  would  attack  him  in  front.  Colo 
nel  Purdy  had  not  marched  far,  when  his  orders  were  counter 
manded  ;  but  on  his  return,  he  was  attacked  by  the  enemy's  in 
fantry  and  Indians,  and  at  first  thrown  into  confusion,  but  the 
assailants  were  soon  after  repulsed  ;  they  came  out  at  the 
same  moment  in  front,  and  attacked  general  Izard,  but  were 
compelled  to  retire  behind  their  defences. 

Gen.  Hampton  finding  that  the  enemy  was  gaining  strength, 
determined  to  retreat.  A  council  of  officers  was  called  by  "the 
commander  in  chief,  and  the  army  retired  to  winter  quarters  at 
French  Mills. 

Thus  determined  a  campaign,  which  gave  rise  (o  dissatisfac 
tion,  proportioned  to  the  high  expectations  which  had  been  in 
dulged  ;  this  unexpected  turn  of  affairs  appeared  to  ca^t  a 
shade  upon  all  the  brilliant  series  of  success  winch  had  preceded. 
Opinion  was  much  divided  as  to  the  causes  of  the  failure,  and 
as  to  the  parties  who  ought  to  bear  the  blame. 

While  these  things  were  taking  place  on  the  land,  the  com 
mander  of  our  squadronon  the  lake  was  not  idle.  Commodore 
Chauncey,  it  has  been  seen,  after  his  first  attempt  to  bring  the 
enemy  to  action,  returned  to  Sackett's  Harbour,  for  the  pur 
pose  of  obtaining  a  fresh  supply  of  provisions.  After  being  re 
inforced  by  a  new  schooner,  he  again  sailed  on  a  cruise  ;  and 
on  the  seventh  of  September,  discovered  the  British  squadron 
Dear  the  Niagara,  and  immediately  stood  for  it.  Sir  James, 
on  perceiving  the  Americans,  made  sail  to  the  northward,  and 
was  pursued  during  four  days  and  nights  ;  but  owing  to  the 
dull  sailing  of  a  greater  part  of  the  pursuers,  he  was  enabled  to 
keep  out  of  their  reach.  On  the  fourth  day,  off  Genesee  river, 
eorr.modore  Chauncey  having  a  breeze,  while  sir  James  lay  be 
calmed,  endeavoured  to  close  with  him  ;  this  he  was  not  able 
to  accomplish,  the  enemy  taking  the  breeze  also,  when  the 
American  squadron  had  approached  within  half  a  mile.  After 
a  running  fight  of  more  than  three  hours,  the  British  escaped  ; 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  317 

But  the  next  morning1  ran  into  Amherst  bay,  whither  the 
American  commodore,  for  want  of  a  pilot,  did  not  think  it  pru 
dent  to  follow,  but  contented  himself  with  forming  a  blockade. 
In  the  running-  fight,  the  British  sustained  considerable  injury  : 
that  of  the  Americans  was  very  trifling-.  The  blockade  wag 
continued  until  the  seventeenth  of  September,  when  in  conse 
quence  of  a  heavy  ga'e  which  blew  from  the  westward,  the 
commodore  was  compelled  to  leave  his  station,  and  the  Brit 
ish  escaped  into  Kingston. 

After  remaining  but  a  short  time  in  Snckett's  Harbor,  com 
modore  Chauncey  again  sailed  towards  Niagara,  where  ho  ar 
rived  on  the  twenty  fourth,  having  passed  sir  James  at  the 
False  Ducks,  without  noticing  him,  intending  to  draw  him  into 
the  lake.  A  few  days  after,  the  American  commodore  receive*! 
information,  that  the  enemy  was  in  the  harbor  of  York  ;  he 
therefore  made  sail  to  that  place,  as  fast  as  his  dull  sailing 
Fchooners  would  permit;  and  on  the  twenty  seventh,  early  in 
the  morning-,  discovered  the  enemy  in  motion  in  the  bay,  ami 
immediately  stood  for  him.  This  being  perceived  hy  sir  James, 
he  stood  out  and  endeavoured  to  escape  to  the  southward  : 
but  finding  thai  the  American  was  close  upon  hi»n,  tacked  his 
squadron  in  succession,  and  commenced  a  well  directed  5re  at 
the  Pike,  in  order  to  cover  his  rear  ;  and  attacking  the  rear  of 
his  opponent  as  he  passed  to  leeward  ;  this  was  prevented  by 
the  skilful  manoeuvring  of  Chauncey,  by  bearing  down  in  line 
on  the  centre  ofihe  enenn's  sqr.aJron,  which  was  thrown  into 
confusion,  Yeo  immediately  bore  away,  but  not  before  his  ship 
had  been  roughly  handled  by  that  of  the  commodore.  In  tweii- 
tv  minutes,  the  main  and  ir.izoutopmast  and  mainyard  of  the 
Wolfe,  were  shot  away  ;  the  British  commander  set  sail  upon 
his  foremast,  and  keeping  dead  before  the  wind,  was  enabled  to 
outsail  the  greater  part  of  Chauncey's  squadron.  The  chase 
was  continued  until  three  o'clock,  the  Pike  having  the  As;>  ,u 
tow,  and  during  the  greater  part  of  this  time,  within  reach  of 
the  enpmy's  shot.  Captain  Crane,  in  the  Madison,  and  lieu 
tenant  Brown,  of  the  Oneida,  used  every  exertion  to  close  with 
the  enemy,  but  without  success.  The  chose  was  at  length  re- 
luctan-ly  given  up,  as  it  came  on  to  blow  kJuK^t  a  gale,  arul 
there  was  no  hope  of  closing  with  the  enemy  before  he  could 
reach  the  British  batteries,  and  without  great  risk  of  running 
ashore.  The  commodore  was  justly  entitled  to  claim  a  victory 
in  this  affair  :  although  the  enemy  were  cot  captured,  ths  v 
were  certainly  beaten;  two  of  his  vessels  were  at  one  moment 
completely  in  the  commodore's  power;  but  from  his  eagerness 
to  close  with  the  whole-  fleet,  they  effected  their  escape.  "  In  ad 
dition  to  the  general  policy  of  sir"  James  Yeo,  the  late  affair  op 
lake  Erie  had  rendered  him  particularly  careful  to  avoid  an  ee- 
27* 


318  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

gagement.  The  loss  on  board  the  Pike  was  considerable,  ow 
ing  to  her  having  been  so  long  exposed  to  the  fire  of  the  ene 
my's  fleet ;  the  most  serious,  how  ever,  was  occasioned  by  the 
bursting  of  one  of  her  guns,  by  which  twenty  two  men  were 
killed  and  wounded  ;  the  total  amounted  to  twenty  seven.  The 
vessel  was  a  good  deal  cut  up  in  her  hull  and  rig'ging. 

Shortly  after  this  affair,  the  commodore  having  communica 
ted  with  general  Wilkinson  on  the  subject  of  the  expedition 
then  on  foot,  was  advised  to  continue  to  watch  the  enemy's 
squadron  ;  and  if  possible,  to  prevent  its  retarn  to  Kingston. 
About  the  beginning  of  October  the  commodore  again  chased 
the  enemy's  fleet  for  several  days,  and  forced  it  to  take  refuge 
in  Burlington  bay  ;  the  next  morning,  on  sending  the  Lady  of 
the  Lake  to  reconnoitre,  it  was  discovered  that  sir  James 
had  taken  advantage  of  the  darkness  of  night,  and  escaped  to 
Kingston.  Much  pleasantry  was  indulged  at  this  time,  at  the 
shyness  of  the  British  knight,  and  his  ungallant  escape  from  the 
Lady  of  the  Lake.  The  chase  was  now  renewed,  and,  favour 
ed  by  the  wind,  the  commodore  came  in  sight  of  seven  schoon 
ers,  and  captured  five  of  them,  in  spite  of  their  efforts  to  escape 
by  separating.  Before  sun  down,  three  of  them  struck  to  the 
Pike,  and  another  to  the  Sylph  and  the  Lady  of  the  Lake,  and 
a  fifth  was  after wai da  captured  by  the  Sylph.  They  turned 
nut  to  be  gun  vessels,  bound  to  the  head  of  the  lake  as  trans 
ports.  Two  of  them  were  the  Julia  and  Growler,  which  had 
been  lost  by  the  Americans.  On  board  were  three  hundred  sol 
diers,  belonging  to  the  De  Watteville  regiment.  It  was  ascer 
tained  that  the  ship  of  sir  James  Yeo,  and  the  Royal  George 
had  suffered  very  considerable  injury,  as  well  as  loss  in  lulled 
and  wounded.  Commodore  Chauncsy  remained  master  of  the 
lake  during  the  remainder  of  the  season. 

The  consequences  of  leaving  a  large  force  of  the  enemy  in 
the  rear,  and  withdrawing  the  troops  from  Niagara,  were  soon 
felt.  General  Harrison  arrived  at  Buffalo  soon  after  the  de 
parture  of  the  commander  in  chief,  but  could  not  follow,  for 
\vant  of  transports.  He  embarked  after  the  main  body  had 
gone  into  winter  quarters.  The  fori  was  left  under  command 
of  general  M'Clure,  who  commanded  militia,  whose  term  of 
service  had  nearly  expired.  This  force  was  soon  reduced  to  a. 
handful  of  men,  and  the  place  was  no  longer  tenable.  The  en 
emy  was  in  march  with  a  large  force.  The  fort  was  blown  up, 
and  the  few  troops  crossed  the  river,  just  in  time  to  escape  the 
F.ritish.  But  this  retreat  wss  preceded  by  an  act  which  every 
American  ought  to  condemn.  Newark,  a  handsome  little  vil 
lage,  near  the  fort,  would  greatly  favour  a  besieging  army,  ard 
orders  w«re  given  by  the  Secretary,  that  if  necessary  for  the  de 
fence  of  the  fort,  the  village  should  be  destroyed,  to  prevent 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  319 

the  enemy  from  taking  shelter  in  it.  By  an  astonishing  mi«- 
concepticii  of  these  orders,  the  General  gave  notice  to  the  in 
habitants  to  retire,  and  left  the  village  in  flames.  The  act  waa 
promptly  disavowed  by  the  goverement.  The  order  so  mis 
conceived,  was  soon  enclosed  to  Sir  George  Prevost,  expressing- 
regret,  and  declaring  the  act  unauthorised. 

Sir  George  Prevost,  however,  did  not  wait  for  the  disavowal 
of  the  American  government;  he  had  already  inflicted  a  retali 
ation  sufficient  to  satisfy  the  vengeance  of  the  fiercest  enemy. 
At  day-light  on  the  nineteenth  of  December,  fort  Niagara 
was  surprised  by  colonel  Murray,  with  about  four  hundred  men, 
and  the  garrison,  nearly  three  hundred  in  number,  and  princi 
pally  invalids,  was  put  to  the  sword;  not  more  than  twenty  be 
ing  able  to  escape.  The  commanding  officer,  captain  Leonard, 
appears  to  have  been  shamefully  negligent,  or  perhaps  bought 
by  the  enemy  :  he  was  absent  at  the  time,  and  had  used  no  pre 
cautions  against  an  assault.  Having  possessed  themselves  of 
this  place.  tl>ey  soon  after  increased  thei*  force,  and  immediate 
ly  proceeded  to  lay  waste  the  Niagara  frontier  with  fire  and 
sword.  The  militia,  hastily  collected,  could  oppose  no  re-i.-t- 
ance  to  a  large  body  of  British  regulars  and  seven  hundred  In 
dians.  A  spirited,  but  unavailing  attempt  was  made  by  major 
Bennett  10  ci.-fend  Lewi.stown  ;  this  village,  together  with  that 
a*  Mancii  'cier,  Young's  town,  and  the  Indian  village  of  the 
Tuscaruras,  were  speedily  reduced  to  ashes,  and  many  of  the 
inhabitants  butchered.  Major  Mellorv  advanced  from  Slosser, 
to  oppose  »he  invaders,  but  was  compelled  by  superior  numbers 
to  retreat.  On  the  thirtieth,  a  detachment  lauded  at  Black 
Rock,  and  proceeded  to  Buffalo;  general  Hall  had  organized  a 
body  of  militia,  but  on  the  approach  of  the  enemy,  they  could 
not  be  induced  to  hold  their  Around.  Great  exertions  were 
made  by  majors  Staunton  and  Norton,  and  lieutenant  Riddle, 
but  to  no  purpose.  The  village  was-  soon  after  reduced  to  ashes, 
and  the  whole  frontier,  for  many  miles,  exhibited  a  scene  of  ru 
in  and  devastation.  Here  was  indeed  ample  vengeance  for  the 
burning  of  Newark.  Even  the  British  generai  was  satisfied, 
as  appears  by  his  proclamation  of  the  twelfth  of  January  :  "the 
opportunity  of  punishment  has  occurred,  and  a  full  theruurt 
vf  retribution  has  liken  place  .- '  and  he  declared  his  intention  of 
-  pursuing  HO  further  a  system  of  warfare  so  revolting  to  hi* 
own  feelings,  and  so  little  congenial  to  the  British  character.'' 

We  think  indeed  it  was  timo  to  stop,  nod  we  are  well  per 
suaded  that  ihosa  who  venerate  the  lex  talionix.  m  jst  be  satis- 
tied  that  the  measure  of  vindictive  vengeance  was  full  to  over 
flowing  . 

About.' this  time  a  very  interesting  subject  was  submitted  t« 
the  consideration  of  cmgres*.  Twenty  three  American  idl- 


320  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

diers,  taken  at  the  battle  of  Queenstown,  in  the  autumn  of 
1812,  were  detained  in  close  confinement  as  British  subjects  ; 
and  sent  to  England  to  undergo  a  trial  for  treason.  On  this 
being  made  known  to  our  government,  orders  were  given  to 
general  Dearborn  to  confine  a  like  number  of  British  prisoners 
taken  at  fort  George,  and  to  keep  them  as  hostages  for  the 
safety  of  the  Americans  ;  which  was  carried  into  effect,  and 
eoen  after  made  known  to 'the  governour  of  Canada.  The 
British  government  was  no  sooner  informed  of  this,  than  gov 
ernour  Prevost  was  ordered  to  place  forty  six  American  offi 
cers  and  non-cornmissioned  officers  in  confinement,  to  ensure 
the  safety  of  the  British  soldiers. 

This  subject  was  the  theme  of  very  immediate  debate  in  con 
gress,  which  was  at  this  time  in  session. 

The  result  of  this  debate  was,  a  determination  to  maintain 
with  firmness  the  position  which  the  adminisl  ration  had  taken  ; 
and  if  Great  Britain  persisted  in  the  fell  resolution  of  rendering 
the  war  bloody  beyond  the  example  of  modern  times  ;  as  they 
had  already  rendered  it  most  barbarous  and  ferocious,  the  Uni 
ted  States  must  reluctantly  pursue  a  course  to  be  lamented  by 
every  man  of  common  humanity. 

Notwithstanding  the  intemperate  opposition  on  the  floor  of 
congress,  the  war  was  evidently  gaining  ground  ;  the  conduct 
of  the  enem}',  in  the  prosecution  of  hostilities,  was  such  as  to 
awaken  the  feeling  of  every  American;  and  the  rejection  of 
the  Russian  mediation  staggered  miny,  who  confidently  pre 
dicted  its  prompt  acceptance.  Tljo  victories,  which  we  had 
obtained  at  sea,  came  home  to  the  filings  of  the  whole  nation, 
and  were  claimed  exclusively  by  the  opposition,  as  having  al 
ways  been  the  best  friends  to  the  navy.  The  British  actually 
complained,  that  those  whom  she  considered  her  friends  in 
America,  should  rejoice  in  her  misfortunes  ;  and  accused  them 
of  faithlessness  and  inconstancy,  because  they  permitted  their 
love  ofcountry  to  overcome  their  hatred  for  the  men  in  power. 
But  this  was  a  delightful  proof  of  nationality,  such  as  might 
have  been  expected  from  Britain  herself,  or  from  France, 
though  not  from  a  nation  so  recently  composed  of  independent 
jarring  states,  not  yet  perfectly  cemented.  It  becomes  every 
virtuous  man  to  rejoice  in  the  good  fortune  of  hi.s  country, 
however  he  may  dislike  the  present  rulers.  This  sentiment 
was  gradually  gaining  ground  ;  the  warlike  appearances  every 
where  displayed,  interested  the  ardent  minds  of  the  young,  and 
enterprising,  and  the  feate  of  arms  daily  recounted,  awakened 
the  desire  of  being  distinguished.  The  contagion  of  military 
pursuits  was  rapidly  spreading.  The  habits  of  a  people,  who 
liad  been  thirty  years  at  peace,  and  constantly  occupied  in  their 
industrious  avocations,  could  not  be  changed  suddenly.  But 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  321 

man  Is  evsry  where  by  nature  warlike,  and  cannot  exist  long 
in  the  midst  of  martial  scenes  and  preparations,  without  catch 
ing  their  spirit.  It  would  not  have  been  difficult  to  predict, 
that  the  foreign  enemy,  which  was  at  first  regarded  only  as  the 
enemy  of  a  party,  would  soon  become  the  enemy  of  the  coun 
try. 

Our  affairs  in  the  southward,  had  assumed  a  serious  aspect, 
and  no  sooner  had  the  northern  armies  retired  in!o  winter  quar 
ters,  than  the  public  attention  was  kept  alive,  by  tl)3  interest 
ing  events  which  transpired  in  the  c.miitry  of  ihe  Creaks,  du 
ring  the  winter.  That  ill  fated  people  had"  at  length  declared 
open  war. 

In  consequence  of  the  threa'ening  appearances  to  the  south, 
and  the  hostilities  which  already  prevailed  with  the  Indians  in 
habiting  the  Spanish  territory,  governour  Mitchell,  of  Georgia, 
was  required  by  the  secretary  at  war,  to  detach  a  brigade  to 
the  Oakmnjgee  river,  fir  the  purpose  of  covering1  the  frontier 
settlements  of  the  state.  Governor  Holmes  of  the  Mississippi 
territory,  was  at  the  same  time  ordered  to  join  a  body  of  miii- 
tia  to  the  volunteers  under  general  Claiborne,  then  stationed 
on  the  Mobile.  In  the  course  of  the  summer,  the  settlers  in 
the  vicitvty  of  that  river,  became  so  much  alarmed  from  the 
hostile  deportment  of  the  Creaks,  that  the  greater  part  aban 
doned  their  plantations,  and  sought  refuge  in  the  different 
forts  ;  while  the  pete?  pa --ty  auv.ngst  the  Creeks,  had  in  some 
places,  shut  themselves  up  in  forts,  and  were  besieged  by  their 
countrymen. 

The  commencement  of  hostilities  was  witnessed  by  one  of 
the  most  shocking  masacres,  that  can  be  found  in  the  history  of 
our  Indian  wars.  T  te  settlor-,  from  an  imperfect  idea  of  their 
danger,  had  adopted  an  erroneous  mode  of  defence,  by  throw 
ing  themselves  into  small  forts  or  stations,  at.  ?reat  distances 
from  each  other,  on  the  various  branches  of  :he  Mobile.  Ear 
ly  in  August  it  was  ascertained,  that  the  Indians  intended  to 
make  an  attack  upon  all  those  stations,  aud  destroy  them  in  de 
tail.  The  first  place  which  th^y  woul  1  a'taempt,  would  proba 
bly  be  fort  Minis,  in  which  the  greatest  nirnber  of  families  had 
been  collected.  Towards  the  hitter  part  of  August,  information 
xvas  brought  that  the  Indians  were  about  to  make  an  attack  on 
this  post,  bur.  unfortunately  too  little  attention  xas  paid  to  the 
warning.  During  the  momentary  continuance  of  the  alarm, 
sDnu  preparations  were  made  fir  defence,  but  it  seems  that  it 
was  almost  impossible  to  rouse  them  from  their  unfortunate 
disbelief  of  the  proximity  of  their  danger.  The  fort  was  com 
manded  by  major  Beasly,  of  the  Mississippi  territory,  (a  brave 
officer,  and  as  a  private  citizen  highly  respected,)  with  about  a 
hanJrjJ  volunteer  i  under  his  command.  By  some  fatality, 


UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

notwithstanding  the  warnings  he  had  received,  he  was  not  suf 
ficiently  on  his  guard,  and  suffered  himself  to  be  surprised  on 
the  thirtieth,  at  noon-day.  The  sentinel  had  scarcely  time  to 
notify  the  approach  of  the  Indians,  when  they  rushed,  with  a 
dreadful  yell,  towards  the  gate,  which  was  wide  open;  the  gar 
rison  was  instantly  under  ann.s,  and  the  major  flew  towards  the 
gate,  with  some  of  his  men,  in  order  to  close  it,  and  if  possible 
expel  tho  enemy  ;  but  he  soon  after  fell  mortally  wounded. 
The  gate  was  at  length  closed,  after  great  slaughter  on  both 
sides  ;  but  a  number  of  the  Indians  had  taken  possession  of  a 
block  house,  from  which  they  were  expelled,  after  a  bloody 
contest,  by  captain  Jack.  The  assault  was  still  continued  for 
an  hour,  on  the  out  side  of  the  pickets  ;  the  port  holes  were 
several  times  carried  by  the  assailants,  and  retaken  by  those 
within  the  fort. 

The  Indians  now  for  a  moment  withdrew,  apparently  dis 
heartened  by  their  loss,  but  on  being  harangued  by  their  chief 
Weatherford,  they  returned  with  augmented  fury  to  the  as 
sault  ;  having  procured  axes,  thev  proceeded  to  cut  down  the 
gate,  and  at  the  same  time  made  a  breach  in  the  pickets,  and 
possessing  themselves  of  the  area  of  the  fort,  compelled  the 
besieged  to  take  refuge  in  the  houses.  Here  they  made  a  gal 
lant  resistance,  but  the  Indians  at  length  setting  fire  to  the 
roofs,  the  situation  of  these  unfortunate  people  became  alto 
gether  hopeless.  The  agonizing  shrieks  of  the  unfortunate 
women  and  children  at  their  unhappy  fate,  would  have  awa 
kened  pity  in  the  breasts  of  tigers  ;  it  is  only  by  those  who  have 
some  faint  idea  of  the  nature  of  Indian  warfare,  that  the  horror 
of  their  situation  can  be  conceived.  The  terror  of  the  scene 
had  already  been  sufficient  to  have  bereft  them  of  their  senses  ; 
but  what  heart  does  not  bleed  at  the  recital  of  its  realities. 
Not  a  soul  was  spared  by  these  monsters  ;  from  the  most  aged 
person  to  the  youngest  infant,  they  became  the  victims  of  indis 
criminate  butchery ;  and  some,  to  avoid  a  worse  fate,  even 
rushed  into  the  flames.  A  few  only  escaped  by  leaping  over 
the  pickets,  while  the  Indians  were  engaged  in  the  work  of 
massacre.  About  two  hundred  and  sixty'persons  of  all  ages,  and 
sexes,  thus  perished,  including  some  friendly  Indians,  and  about 
one  hundred  negroes.  Tlbe  panic  causod  at  the  other  posts, 
or  station?,  by  this  dreadful  catastrophe,  can  scarcely  be  de 
scribed  ;  the  wretched  inhabitants,  fearing  a  similar  fate,  aban 
doned  their  retreats  of  fancied  security  in  the  middle  of  the 
night,  and  in  their  endeavours  to  escape  to  Mobile,  encounter 
ed  every  species  of  suffering.  The  dwellings  of  these  settlers, 
(who  wtre  probably  as  numerous  as  the  whols  tribe  of  Creeks,) 
burnt,  and  their  cattle  destroyed. 


THE  UNITED -STATES.  32S 

On  the  receipt  of  this  disastrous  intelligence,  the  Tennessee 
militia,  under  the  orders  of  general  Jackson  and  general  Cocke, 
immediately  marched  to  the  country  of  the  Creeks.  On  the 
second  of  November  general  Coffee  was  detached,  with  nine 
hundred  men,  against  the  Tallusbatches  towns,  and  reached 
the  place  about  day  light  the  next  morning.  The  Indians,  ap 
prised  of  his  approach,  were  prepared  to  receive  him.  Within 
a  short  distance  of  the  village  the  enemy  charged  upon  him, 
with  a  boldness  seldom  displayed  by  Indians.  They  were  re 
pulsed,  and  after  the  most  obstinate  resistance,  in  which  they 
would  receive  no  quarters,  they  were  slain  almost  to  a  man, 
and  their  women  and  children  taken  prisoners.  There  were 
nearly  two  hundred  of  the  warriors  killed  in  this  affair.  The 
loss  of  the  Americans  was  five  killed  and  forty  wounded. 

Late  in  the  morning  of  the  seventh,  a  friendly  Indian  brought 
intelligence  to  general  Jackson,  that  about  thirty  miles  below 
his  camp,  were  a  number  of  Creeks  collected  at  a  place  called 
Talledega,  where  they  were  engaged  in  besiegipg  a  number  of 
friendly  Indians,  who  must  inevitably  perish  unless  speedily  re 
lieved.  This  officer,  whose  resolutions  were  as  rapidly  execu 
ted  as  they  were  formed,  marched  at  twelve  o'clock  the  same 
night,  at  the  head  of  twelve  hundred  men,  and  arrived  within 
six  miles  of  the  place  the  next  evening.  At,  midnight  he  again 
advanced,  by  seven  o'clock  was  within  a  mile  of  the  enemy, 
and  immediately  made  the  most  judicious  arrangements  for 
surrounding  them.  Having  approached  in  this  manner  almost 
unperceived,  within  eighty  yards  of  the  Indians,  the  baule 
commenced  on  their  part  with  great  fury,  but  being  repulsed 
on  all  sides,  they  attempted  to  make  their  escape,  but  soon 
found  themselves  enclosed  ;  two  companies  having  at  first  giv 
en  way,  a  space  was  left  through  which  a  considerable  number 
of  the  enemy  escaped,  and  were  pursued  to  the  mountains  with 
great  slaughter.  In  this  action  the  Americ  -n  loss  was  fifteen 
killed  and  eighty  wounded.  That  of  the  Creeks  was  li't'.e 
short  of  three  hundred  ;  their  whole  force  exceeded  a  thou 
sand. 

General  Cocke,  who  commanded  the  other  division  of  the 
Tennessee  militia,  on  the  eleventh  detached  general  White 
from  fort  Armstrong,  where  he  was  encamped  against  the  hos 
tile  towns  on  the  Tallapoose  river.  After  matching  the 
whole  night  of  the  seventeenth,  lie  surprised  a  town  at  day 
light,  containing  upwards  of  three  hundred  warriors,  sixty  of 
whom  were  killed  and  the  rest  taken  prisoners.  Having  burnt 
several  of  their  villages  which  had  been  deserted,  lie  returned 
en  the  twenty  third,  wi'hout  losing  a  single  man. 

The  Georgia  militia,  under  general  Floyd,  advanced  into  the 
Cretk  country,  about  the  last  of  the  month.  Receiving  infor- 


324  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

nation  (hat  a  great  number  of  Indians  were  collected  at  (?>e 
Autossee  towns,  on  tne  Tallapoose  river,  a  place  which  they 
called  their  beloved  ground,  and  where,  according  to  their 
prophets,  no  white  mart  could  molest  them,  general  Fioyd,  pla 
cing  himself  at  the  head  of  nine  hundred  militia,  and  four  hun 
dred  friendly  Creeks,  marched  from  his  encampment  on  the 
Chatahouchie.  On  the  evening  of  the  twenty  eighth,  he  en 
camped  within  ten  miles  of  the  place,  and  resuming  his  march 
at  one  o'clock,  reached  the  towns  about  six,  and  commenced 
an  attack  upon  both  at  the  same  moment.  His  troops  were 
met  by  the  Indians  w7ith  uncommon  bravery  ;  and  it  was  not 
until  after  an  obstinate  resistance,  that  they  were  forced,  by 
his  musketn-  and  bayonets,  to  fly  to  the  thickets  and  copses  in 
the  rear  of  the  towns.  In  the  course  of  three  Lours  the  enemy 
was  completely  defeated,  and  the  villages  in  flames.  Eleven 
Americans  were  killed  and  fifty  wounded,  among  the  latter 
the  general  himself :  oftheenemy,  it  is  supposed  that  beside 
the  Autossee  and  Tallassee  kings,  upwards  of  two  hundred 
were  killed. 

This  just  retribution,  it  was  hoped,  would  bring  these 
wretched  creatures  to  a  proper  sense  of  their  situations  ;  but 
unfortunately  it  had  not  this  effect,  they  stil!  persisted  in  their 
hostilities  against  us.  In  the  month  of  December,  general 
Claiborne  marched  a  detachment  against  the  towns  of  Eccana- 
chaca,on  the  Alabama  river.  On  the  twenty  second,  he  came 
suddenly  upon  them,  killed  thirty  of  their  warriors,  and  after 
destroying  their  villages,  returned  with  a  trifling  loss. 

After  the  battle  of  Talledega,  general  Jackson  was  left  with 
but  a  handful  of  men,  in  consequence  of  the  term  of  service 
of  the  militia  having  expired.  On  the  fourteenth  of  January 
he  was  fortunately  reinforced  by  eight  hundred  volunteers  from 
Tennessee,  and  soon  after  by  several  hundred  friendly  Indians. 

He  was  also  joined  by  general  Coffee  with  a  number  of  offi 
cers,  his  militia  having  returned  home.  On  the  seventeenth, 
with  a  view  of  making  a  diversion  in  favour  of  general  Floyd, 
and  at  the  same  time  of  relieving  fort  Armstrong,  which  was 
said  to  be  threatened,  he  penetrated  the  Indian  country.  On 
the  evening  of  the  twenty  first,  believing  himself,  from  appear 
ances,  in  'the  vicinity  of  a  large  body  of  Indians,  he  encamp 
ed  with  great  precaution,  arid  placed  himself  'in  the  best  attitude 
for  defence.  Some  time  in  the  night,  one  of  his  spies  brought 
information  that  he  hnd  seen  the  em-my  a  few  miles  off,  and  from 
their  being  busily  engaged  in  sending  away  their  women  and 
children,  it  was  evident  >hey  had  discovered  the  American',  and 
would  either  escape  or  rrake  an  attack  before  morning.  While 
the  troops  were  in  this  state  of  readiness,  they  were  vigorously 
attacked  cc  tbeir  left  flank  about  daylight;  the  enemy  wag  re- 


THE  UNITED  STATES. 

sisted  with  firmnes3,and  after  a  severe  contest,  they  fled  in  every 
direction.  This  was  however  soon  discovered  to  be  a  feint .  gene 
ral  Coffee  having  been  despatched  with  four  hundred  men,  to 
destroy  the  enemy's  camp,  with  directions  not  to  attack  it, 
if  strongly  fortified,  returned  with  information  that  it  would 
not  be  prudent  to  attempt  it  without  artillery;  half  an  h»ur 
had  scarcely  elapsed,  when  the  enemy  commenced  a  fierce  at 
tack  on  Jackson's  left  flank.  It  seems  they  had  intended,  by 
the  first  onset,  to  draw  the  Americans  into  a  pursuit,  and  by 
that  means  create  a  confusion  ;  but  this  was  completely  pre 
vented  by  Jackson's  causing  his  left  flank  to  keep  its  position, 
General  Coffee,  with  about  fifty  of  his  officers,  acting-  as  vol 
unteers,  assailed  the  Indians  on  the  left,  while  about  two  hun 
dred  friendly  Indians  came  upon  them  on  the  right.  The 
whole  line  giving  them  one  fire,  resolutely  charged;  and  the 
enemy  bein;r  disappointed  in  their  plan,  fled  with  precipitation. 
On  the  left  flank  of  the  Indians  the  contest  was  kept  up  some 
time  longer  ;  general  Coffee  was  severely  wounded,  and  his 
aid,  A.  Donaldson,  killed ;  on  being  reinforced  by  a  party  of 
the  friendly  Indians,  he  compelled  the  enemy  to  fly,  leaving 
fifty  of  their  warriors  on  the  ground. 

General  Jackson,  being  apprehensive  of  another  attack,  for 
tified  his  camp  for  the  night ;  the  next  clay,  fearing  a  want  of 
provisions,  he  found  it  necessary  to  retreat,  and  before  night 
reached  Enotachopco,  having  passed  a  dangerous  defile  with 
out  interruption.  In  the  morning  he  had  to  cross  a  defile  still 
more  dangerous,  where  he  might  expect  that  the  enemy  had 
formed  an  ambuscade ;  he  therefore  determined  to  pass  at  some 
other  point.  The  most  judicious  arrangements  having  been 
made  for  the  disposition  of  his  force  in  case  of  attcK 
moved  forward  towards  the  pass  which  he  had  selected.  The 
front  guard,  with  part  of  the  flank  columns,  together  with  the 
wounded,  had^carcely  crossed  the  creek,  when  the  alarm  wr.;? 
given  in  the  rear.  Jackson  immediately  gave  orders  for  his 
right  and  left  columns  to  wheel  on  their  pivot,  and  cro^irv? 
the  stream  above  and  below,  assail  the  flanks  and  rear  of  the  en 
emy,  and  thus  completely  enclose  them.  But,  to  his  astonish 
ment  and  mortification,  when  the  word  was  given  for  these 
columns  to  for  p.),  and  a  few  guns  were  fired,  they  pregipitateiv 
gave  way.  This  unaccountable  flight  had  well  nigh  proved 
fatal  :  it  drew  along  with  it  the  greater  part  of  the  centre  col 
umn,  leaving  not  more  than  twenty  five  men,  wh«,  being  form 
ed  by  colonel  Carrol,  maintained  their  ground  for  a  time 
against  overwhelming  numbers.  All  that  could  now  bo  op 
posed  to  the  enemy,  were  the  few  who  remained  of  the  rear 
guard,  the  artillery  company,  and  captain  Rupel's  company  of 
spies.  Their  conduct,  however,  was  admirable.  Lieutenant 
28 


326  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

Armstrong,  with  the  utmost  coolness  and  intrepidity,  dragged, 
with  the  assistance  of  a  few  more,  the  six  pounder'up  the  hill, 
although  exposed  to  a  heavy  fire  ;  and  having  gained  his  posi 
tion,  loaded  the  piece  with  grape,  and  fired  it  with  sueh  effect, 
that  after  a  few  discharges,  the  enemy  was  repulsed.  The  In 
dians,  were  pursued  for  several  miles,  hy  colonel  Carrol,  colo 
nel  Higgins,  and  captains  Elliot  and  Pipkins  .  Captain  Gor 
don,  of  the  spies,  had  partly  succeeded  in  turning  their  flanks, 
aad  by  this  impetuous  charge,  contributed  greatly  to  restore 
the  day.  The  Americans  now  continued  their  march  without 
further  molestation.  In  these  different  engagements,  about 
twenty  Americans  were  killed,  and  seventy  five  wounded  ,  in 
the  last,  about  one  hundred  and  eighty  of  the  Creeks  were 
slain. 

Meanwhile  general  Floyd  was  advancing  towards  the  Indian 
territory,  from  the  Chatahouchie  river.  On  the  twenty-sev 
enth  of  January  bis  camp  was  attacked  by  a  large  body  of  Indians 
about  an  hour  before  day.  They  stole  upon  the  sentinels,  fired 
upon  them,  and  then  rushed  with  great  impetuosity  towards  the 
line.  The  action  soon  became  general  ;  the  front  of  both 
flanks  was  closely  pressed,  but  the  firmness  of  the  officers  and 
men  repelled  their  assaults  at  every  point.  As  soon  as  it  be 
came  sufficiently  light,  general  Floyd  strengthened  his  right 
wing,  and  formed  his  cavalry  in  the  rear,  then  directed  a 
charge;  the  enemy  were  driven  before  the  bayonet,  and  being 
pursued  by  the  cavalry,  many  of  them  were  killed.  The  loss 
of  general  Floyd  was  seventeen  killed  and  one  hundred  and 
thirty-two  wounded.  That  of  the  Indians  coold  not  be  ascer 
tained  ;  thirty-seven  of  their  warriors  were  left  dead  on  the 
field,  but  it  is  thought  their  loss  was  very  considerable. 

By  this  time,  it  might  be  supposed  that  the  Creeks  had  been 
satisfied  with  the  experiment  of  war,  but  they  appear  to  have 
been  infatuated  in  a  most  extraordinary  degree.  .  From  the  in 
fluence  of  their  prophets  over  their  superstitious  minds,  they 
were  led  on  from  one  ruinous  effort  to  another,  in  hopes  tbat 
the  time  would  at  last  arrive,  when  their  enemies  would  be  de- 
livored  into  their  hands. 

General  Jackson,  having  received  considerable  reinforcements 
from  Tennessee,  and  being  joined  by  a  number  of  friendly  In 
dians,  set  out  on  an  expedition  to  the  Tallapoose  river.  He 
proceeded  from  the  Coose  on  the  twenty-fourth  of  March,  reach 
ed  the  southern  extremity  of  the  New  Youca  on  the  twenty- 
seventh,  at  a  place  called  the  Horse-shoe-bend  of  the  Coose. 
Nature  furnishes  few  situations  so  eligible  for  defence  ;  and 
here  the  Creeks,  by  the  direction  of  their  prophets,  had  made 
their  last  stand.  Across  the  neck  of  land  they  had  erected  a 
breastwork  of  the  greatest  compactness  and  strength,  from  five 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  327 

to  eight  feet  high,  and  provided  withB  double  row  of  port  holes 
artfully  arranged.  In  this  place  they  considered  themselves 
perfectly  secure.  The  assailants  could  not  approach  without 
being  exposed  to  a  double  and  cross  fire  from  the  Indians  who 
lay  behind.  The  area  thus  enclosed  by  the  breastworks  was 
little  short  of  on3  hundred  acres.  The  warriors  from  OaWus- 
kee,  Oakshaya,  Hilebees,  the  Fish  Ponds,  and  Eupata  towns, 
had  collected  their  force  at  this  place,  in  number  exceeding  a 
thousand. 

Early  in  the  morning  of  the  twenty-seventh  general  Jackson, 
having  encamped  the  preceding  night  within  six^milcs  of  the 
bend,  detached  general  Coffee,  with  the  mounted  men  and 
nearly  the  whole  of  the  Indian  force,  to  pass  the  river  at  a  ford 
about  three  miles  below  their  encampment,  and  to  surround 
the  bend  in  such  a  manner,  that  none  of  them  should  escape  by 
attempting  to  cross  the  river.  With  the  remainder  of  his  force, 
general  Jackson  advanced  to  the  point  of  the  breastwork,  and 
at  half  past  ten,  planted  his  artillery  on  a  small  eminence  with 
in  eighty  yards  of  the  nearest  point  of  the  \vork,  and  within  two 
hundred  and  fifty  of  the  farthest.  A  brisk  cannonade  was 
opened  upon  the  centre,  and  a  severe  fire  was  kept  up  with 
musketry  and  rifles,  when  the  Indians  ventured  to  show  them 
selves  behind  tlioir  defences.  In  the  meantime,  general  Coffee 
having  crossed  below,  had  advanced  towards  the  village;  when 
within  half  a  mile  of  that  which  stood  at  the  extremity  of  the 
peninsula,  the  Indians  gave  their  yell ;  Coffee  expecting:  an 
immediate  attack,  drew  up  his  men  in  order  of  battle,  and  in 
this  manner  continued  to  move  forward.  The  friendly  Indians 
had  previously  taken  possession  of  the  bank,  for  the  purpose  of 
preventing  the  retreat  of  the  enemy  ;  but  they  no  sooner  heard 
the  artillery  of  Jackson,  and  the  approach  of  Coffee,  than  they 
rushed  forward  to  the  banks;  while  the  militia,  apprehending 
an  attack  from  the  Oakfuskee  villages,  wore  obliged  to  remain, 
in  order  of  battle.  The  friendly  Indians,  unable  to  remain 
silent  spectators,  began  to  fire  across  the  stream,  about  one 
hundred  yards  wide,  while  some  plunged  into-  the  river,  and 
swimming  across,  brought  back  a  number  of  canoes;  in  these 
the  greater  part  embarked,  landed  on  the  peninsula,  then  ad 
vanced  into  the  village,  drove  the  enemy  from  their  huts  up  to 
the  fortifications,  and  continued  to  annoy  them  during  the 
whole  action.  This  movement  of  the  Indians  rendered  it  ne 
cessary  that  a  part  of  Coffee's  line  should  take  their  place. 

General  Jackson  finding  that  his  arrangements  were  com 
plete,  at  length  yielded  to  the  earnest  solicitations  of  his  men 
to  be  led  to  the  charge.  The  regular  troops,  led  by  colonel 
Williams  and  major  Montgomery,  were  in  a  moment  in  posses 
sion  of  the  nearest  part  of  the  breastworks  :  the  mJlilia  aocon> 


328  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

panied  them  with  equal  firmness  and  intrepidity.  Having 
maintained  for  a  few  minutes  a  very  obstinate  contest,  muzzle 
to  muzzle  through  the  port- holes,  they  succeeded  in  gaining  the 
opposite  side  of  the  works.  The  event  could  no  longer  be 
doubtful.  The  enemy,  although  many  of  them  fought  with  that 
kind  of  bravery  which  desperation  inspires,  were  cut  to  pieces, 
The  whole  margin  of  the  river  which  surrounded  the  peninsula, 
was  strewed  with  the  slain.  Five  hundred  und  fifty-seven 
were  found,  besides  those  thrown  into  the  river  by  their  friends, 
or  drowned  in  attempting  to  escape.  Not  more  than  fifty 
could  have  escaped.  Among  the  slain  was  their  great  prophet 
Manahoe,  and  two  others  of  less  note.  About  three  hundred 
women  and  children  were  taken  prisoners.  Jackson's  loss  was 
twenty-six  white  men  killed,  and  one  hundred  andseven  woun 
ded  ;  eighteen  Cherokees  killed  and  thirty-six  wounded;  and 
live  friendly  Creeks  killed  and  eleven  wounded. 

This  most  decisive  victory  put  <an  end  to  the  Creek  war. 
The  spirit  and  power  of  these  misguided  men  were  completely 
broken;  Jackson  soon  after  scoured  the  countries  on  the  Coose 
and  Tallapoose.  A  party  of  the  enemy,  on  the  latter  river,  on 
iiis  approach,  fled  to  Pensacola.  The  greater  part  of  the 
Creeks  now  came  forward  and  threw  themselves  on  the  mercy 
of  the  victors.  A  detachment  of  militia  from  North  and  South. 
Carolina,  under  the  command  of  colonel  Pearson,  scoured  the 
country  on  the  Alabama,  and  received  the  submission  of  a  great 
number  of  Creek  warriors  and  their  prophets. 

In  the  course  of  the  summer  a  treaty  of  peace  was  dictated 
to  them  by  Jackson,  on  severe  but  just  terms.  They  agreed 
to  yield  a  portion  of  their  country  as  an  ind-emnity  for  the  ex 
penses  of  the  war ;  they  conceded  the  privilege  of  opening  roads 
through  their  country,  together  with  the  liberty  of  navigating 
their  rivers.  They  also  stipulated  to  hold  no  intercourse  with 
anv  British  or  Spanish  post,  or  garrison,  and  to  deliver  up  the 
property  they  had  taken  from  whites  or  friendly  Indians.  The 
general,  on  the  part  of  the  United  States,  undertook  to  guaran 
tee  their  territory,  to  restore  all  their  prisoners,  and  in  consider 
ation  of  their  destitute  situation,  to  furnish  them  gratuitously 
with  the  necessaries  of  life,  until  they  could  provide  for  them 
selves.  They  also  engaged  to  establish  trading  houses,  and 
endeavour  to  bring  back  the  nation  to  their  former  state. 

It  has  already  been  stated,  that  after  the  failure  of  the  cam 
paign  against  the  British  provinces,  the  army  retired  into  win 
ter  quarters.  It  remained  inactive  till  the  latter  part  of  Feb 
ruary.  The  Secretary  at  War  gave  orders  to  withdraw  to 
Pittsburgh,  and  that  two  thousand  men  should  be  marched  to 
Sackett's  Harbour,  under  Gen.  Brown,  with  a  proportion  of 
field  pieces  and  battering  cannon.  The  general  destroyed  his 
barracks,  and  retired  to  the  place  assigned  him.. 


THE   UNITED  STATES.  359 

The  British  detached  a  large  force  under  Col.  Scott,  who  de 
stroyed  the  public  stores,  and  pillaged  the  citizens. 

Towards  the  latter  end  of  March,  (jeneral  Wilkinson  detei- 
rained  to  erect  a  battery  at  a  place  called  Rouse's  point,  where 
his  engineer  had  discovered  a  position  from  which  the  enemy's 
fleet,  then  laid  up  at  St.  John's,  might  he  kept  in  check.  The 
ice  breaking  up  on  lake  Champlain  sooner  than  usual,  defeated 
bis  plan  ;  a  body  of  the  enemy,  upwards  of  two  thousand  strong, 
on  discovering  his  design  had  been  collected  at  La  Colle  mill, 
three  miles  from  Rouse's  point,  for  the  purpose  of  opposing  him. 
With  a  view  of  dislodging  this  party,  and  at  the  same  time  of 
forming1  a  diversion  in  favour  of  general  Brown,  who  had  march 
ed  against  Niagara,  the  commander  in  chief,  at  the  head  of 
about  four  thousand  men,  crossed  the  Canada  lines  on  the  thir 
tieth  of  March.  After  dispersing  several  of  the  enemy's  skir 
mishing  parties,  iie  reached  La  Colle  mill,  a  large  fortified  stone 
house,  at  which  major  Hancock  commanded.  An  eighteen 
pounder  was  ordered  up,  but  owing  to  the  nature  of  the  ground 
over  which  it  had  to  pass,  the  transportation  was  found  imprac 
ticable  ;  a  twelve  pounder  and  a  five  inch  howitzer,  were  there 
fore  substituted.  These  pieces,  under  the  direction  of  captain 
M'Pherson,  and  lieutenants  Larubee  and  Sheldon,  were  posted 
at  the  distance  of  two  hundred  paces  from  the  house,  and  cov 
ered  by  the  second  brigade,  with  part  of  colonel  Clark's  com 
mand,  under  general  Smith,  on  the  right  :  and  the  third  brigade, 
under  general  Bissel,  on  the  '••  .'•  Miller  was  ordered 

to  take  a  position  with  th-  :ith  regiments,  in 

order  to  cut  off  the  enemy  V  r-.reat;  white  IMO  reserve,  com 
posed  of  four  select  corps  of  tho  rirst  -'rijMde,  w?i-=  placed  under 
the  command  of  general  .M  C-  ,;;ents  being 

made,  the  battery  opened    upon  the    hu  the  fire  was 

promptly  returned.  The  different  corps  were  greatly  exposed 
to  the  fire  from  the  house;  it  v.  to  effect  a 

breach,  although  the  guns  were  managed  with  o-reat.  skill. 
Captain  M'Pherson  was  wounded  at  the  commencement  of  tho 
attack,  but  continued  notwilhstanJ!  itil  a  second 

shot  had  broken  his  thi^h  :    his  uext  ufifcef,  }  is  shot 

through  the  lungs:  lieutenant  Sheldon  kept  up  the  fire  until  the 
end  of  the  afiYir,  and  behaved  in  a  manner  which  drew  forth 
the  praise  of  his  gemeral. 

The  British  commander,  perceiving  that  the  Americans  per 
sisted  in  bombarding  the  house,  made  a  desperate  sortie,  and 
several  times  charged  upon  the  cannon,  in  which  he  was  re 
pulsed  by  the  covering  troops,  and  compelled  to  retire  to  his 
fortress  with  loss.  It  being  now  found  impracticable  to  make 
an  impression  on  this  strong  building,  whose  walls  were  of  un 
usual  t'.iickness,  the  commander  in  chief,  calling  in  his  different 
2S* 


380  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

parties,  fell  back  in  good  order.  The  loss  of  the  Americans  in 
this  affair,  was  upwards  of  one  hundred  and  forty  in  killed  and 
wounded,  that  of  the  British  is  not  ascertained." 

Many  were  the  difficulties  under  which  the  army  laboured. 
Lack  of  system,  a  severe  climate,  sickness,  unforeseen  expens 
es,  abuses  in  every  department,  and  want  of  experience  and  ed 
ucation  in  the  subalterns  ;  and  the  disgraceful  conduct  of  many 
of  the  frontier  inhabitants,  in  supplying  the  enemy  with  provi 
sions,  are  among  the  number  of  misfortunes  under  which  the 
country  laboured.  Besides  which,  the  enemy  was  regularly 
informed  of  every  thing  which  transpired  on  the  American 
side. 

"Shortly  after  the  affair  of  La  Colle,  the  greater  part  of  the 
British  force  was  collected  at  St.  John's  and  the  Isle  Aux  Noix, 
for  the  purpose  of  securing  the  entrance  of  the  squadron  into 
lake  Champlain,  on  the  breaking  up  of  the  ice.  This  was  ef 
fected  early  in  May.  Sometime  before  this,  on  the  suggestion 
of  general  Wilkinson,  commodore  M'Donough  had  fortified  the 
mouth  of  Otter  river,  so  as  to  secure  a  passage  for  his  flotilla, 
which  then  lay  at  Vergennes,  higher  up  the  river,  waiting  for 
its  armament.  This  precaution  proved  of  great  service.  The 
commodore  had  laboured,  with  indefatigable  industry,  to  pro 
vide  a  naval  force  on  this  lake,  to  cope  with  that  of  the  enemy; 
the  vesels  had  been  built  during  the  autumn  and  winter,  but 
their  armament  did  not  arrive  before  spring.  The  first  object 
of  the  enemy,  when  they  found  the  navigation  open,  was  to  at 
tempt  the  destruction  of  the  fleet,  before  it  could  move  upon  its 
element  prepared  to  meet  them.  On  the  1 2lh  of  May,  not  long 
after  the  erection  of  the  battery  on  the  cape,  at  the  entrance  of 
the  river,  a  bomb  vessel  and  eight  large  gallies  were  stationed 
by  the  enemy  across  the  creek,  for  the  purpose  of  blockading 
the  squadron,  and  at  the  same  time  to  intercept  naval  supplies, 
which  it  was  supposed  would  be  sent  by  water,  for  the  purpose 
of  completing  its  armament.  Captain  Thornton  of  the  light 
artillery,  and  lieutenant  Cassin,  with  a  number  of  sailors,  were 
ordered  to  the  defence  of  the  battery.  Indications  being  at  the 
same  time  discovered  of  an  attempt  hy  the  enemy  to  assail  the 
battery  in  the  rear,  general  Davis,  of  the  Vermont  militia,  cal 
led  part  of  his  brigade,  in  order  to  oppose  the  landing1.  At  day 
break  on  the  14th,  the  enemy  commenced  an  attack  upon  the 
works,  but  were  so  effectually  resisted,  that  they  were  compel 
led  to  withdraw  from  their  position  with  the  loss  of  two  gallies, 
which  they  were  obliged  to  abandon.  Soon  after,  the  whole 
squadron  moved  down  the  lake,  bnt  not  without  some  skir 
mishing  with  general  Wright  of  the  militia,  as  they  passed  Bur 
lington.'  Commodore  M'Donough  had  attempted  to  bring  some 
of  the  American  vessel!  to  the  mouth  of  the  river,  but  the 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  331 

British  sqnadron  had  disappeared  before  he  could  attain  hia  ob 
ject. 

While  the  naval  ^rparations  were  making  on  lake  Cham- 
plain,  the  winter  a.  ,  pring  were  taken  up  with  the  prepara 
tions  for  a  contest  for  superiority  on  lake  Ontario.  The  Bri 
tish  converted  it,  however,  into  a  contest  in  building  the  great 
est  number  and  the  largest  shius.  At  Kingston,  a  ship  of  ex 
traordinary  size  tvas  building  :  for  the  enemy  no  longer  trusted, 
as  they  had  done  with  other  nations,  to  superior  seamanship 
and  valour.  Commodore  Chauncey  was  under  the  necessity  of 
building  additional  vessels,  for  the  purpose  of  maintaining  as 
nearly  as  possible  an  equality  of  force.  The  enemy  was,  how 
ever,  not  satisfied  in  endeavouring  to  conquer  us  in  ship 
building,  they  made  numerous  attempts  to  destroy  by  insiduous 
means,  those  already  built  by  the  Americans.  On  the  twenty- 
fifth  of  April,  three  of  the  enemy's  boats,  provided  with  the 
means  of  blowing  up  the  vi-ssels,  succeeded  in  getting  close  in 
to  Sackett's  Harbour  undiscovered  ;  :o  they  could  ex 
ecute  their  purpose,  they  were  detected  a-ul  fired  upon  by  lieu 
tenant  Dudley,  th«  officer  of  the  guar-1.  on  which  they  threw 
their  powder  into  the  lake,  and  pulled  off.  Failing  in  all  thess 
attempts,  from  the  vigilance  of  the  Americans,  th.-v  next  form 
ed  the  determination  to  intercept  the  naval  stores  «vi  their  way 
from  Osweg-o, where  il.eyhad  been  denn-vcd.  Thi!  her  sir  James 
proceeded  wi  h  his  whole  fleet,  R:K!  having  on  :>  « *rd  a  large 
body  of  troops  under  general  DruniMuuul.  proceed  :<j  on  the  fifth 
of  May.  with  the  determination  of  storming  the  io\vn  and  cap 
turing  the  equipments  destined  for  the  new  vessels.  The  Bri 
tish  commenced  a  heavy  bombardment,  which  was  kept  up  for 
several  days ;  the  unexpected  and  gallant  resistance  of  the  gar 
rison,  consisting  of  three  hundred  men  under  lieutenant  colonel 
Mi'cSiel!.  was  in  vain  against  such  superior  foree.  The  schoon 
er  Growler,  then  in  Oswego  creek  to  receive  the  cannon,  \vas 
punk  to  prevent  hei  from  being  taken,  and  all  the  tents  that 
could  be  procured  were  pitched  on  the  village  side,  to  give  the 
appearance  of  a  largo  force  of  militia.  The  ?ai!ors  of  the  Grow 
ler,  under  lieutenant  Pearce,  were  added  to  the  garrison  ;  the 
shore  battery  was  commanded  by  captain  Boyle,  seconded  bv 
lieutenant  Legate.  At  one  o'clock,  fifteen  barges  filled  wit'i 
troops,  moved^owards  the  shore,  preceded  by  several  gunboats, 
while  a  heavy  cannonade  was  commenced  by  the  larger  vessels. 
They  were  so  warmly  received  by  the  battery  on  shore,  that 
the  boats  were  twice  repulsed,  and  one  of  the  largest  fell  into 
the  hands  of  the  Americans. 

The  squadron  now  stood  off,  but  this  was  evidently  for  the 
purpose  of  renewing  the  attack,  in  such  a  manner  a&  to  render 
it  effectual.  They  a^ain  approached  on  the  sixth,  having  re- 


332  UNIVERSAL    HISTORY   OP 

solved  to  land  under  cover  of  their  ships;  they  accordingly  kept 
up  a  heavy  fire  for  three  hours,  while  their" land  forces,  two 
thousand  in  number,  under  general  DQ  Watteville,  succeeded 
in  gaining  the  shore,  after  being- gallantly  opposed  by  lieutenant 
Pearce  and  his  seamen.  Colonel  Mitchell  now  abandoned  the 
fort,  and  joining  his  corps  to  the  marines  and  seamen,  engaged 
the  enemy's  flank,  and  did  great  execution.  Finding  further 
resistance  useless,  he  fell  back,  formed  his  troops,  and  took  up 
his  march  to  the  falls  of  Oswego,  destroying  the  bridges  in  his 
rear.  Hitherto,  to  the  inexpressible  disappointment  of  the  Bri 
tish,  the  naval  stores  had  been  removed,  and  all  their  trouble, 
and  the  loss  which  they  sustained,  procured  them  nothing  more 
than  a  few  barrels  of  provisions  and  some  whiskey.  This  was 
purchased  with  the  loss  of  two  hundred  and  thirty-five  men,  in 
killed  arid  wounded  ;  they  were  certainly  entitled  to  the  victory, 
but  they  never  thought  proper  to  claim  it.  The  loss  of  the 
Americans  was  sixty-nine  in  killed, wounded  and  missing;  among 
the  first,  a  promising  officer,  lieutenant  JBlaney. 

On  the  evening  of  the  same  day,  apart  of  this  force  proceed 
ed  to  Pultneyville,  and  demanded  the  public  stores.  The  inha 
bitants  were  unable  to  repel  the  invaders,  who  indulged  them 
selves  in  iheir  usual  depredations  ;  when  genaral  Swiff,  of  the 
New- York  militia,  opportunely  arriving,  with  a  part  of  his  brig 
ade,  put  them  to  flight.  The  British  soon  after,  hearing  that  the 
Superior,  which  had  lately  been  launched,  had  received  her 
equipments  from  the  interior,  bruke  up  the  blockade,  and  re 
turned  to  Kingston.  Another  new  ship,  the  Mohawk,  was  at 
this  time  on  the  stocks,  and  as  she  would  have  to; he  supplied 
with  her  equipments  from  the  same  place,  it  was  determined, 
since  the  British  had  disappeared,  to  transport  them  by  water, 
and  avoid  the  expense  and  delay  of  land  transportation.  To 
deceive  the  enemy,  who  had  numerous  gunboats  hovering  about 
the  different  creeks,  a  report  was  circulated  thai  it  was  intended 
to  forward  the  stores  to  tlieOneida  lake.  Nineteen  barges  were 
loaded  at  Oswego,  and  major  Appling  was  despatched  by  gene 
ral  Gaines,  with  a  detachment  to  aid  captain  Woolsey,  in  their 
defence.  On  the  twenty-eighth  of  May,  captain  Woolsey,  find 
ing1  the  coast  clear,  reached  the  village  of  Oswego  by  sunset, 
and  taking  advantage  of  the  darkness  of  the  night,  put  into  the 
lake.  The  next  day  they  reached  Sandy  creek,  and  ascending 
it  a  few  miles,  despatched  a  boat  to  look  out  for  the  British  on 
the  lake ;  this  boat  was  discovered  by  some  gun  vessels,  and  im 
mediately  chased.  Major  Appling  and  captain  VVoolscy  deter 
mined  to  draw  them  into  an  ambuscade.  As  had  been  antici 
pated,  the  enemy  pushed  their  gunboats  and  cutters  up  the 
creek,  while  a  parly  landed  and  ascended  along  the  bank.  The 
A-mericans  now  rushed  suddenly  upon  them,  and  in  a  few  mo- 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  333 

ments,  after  one  fire,  by  which  a  number  of  them  were  killed 
and  wounded,  the  whole  party  was  taken  prisoners,  Consisting 
of  four  lieutenants  of  the  navy,  two  lieutenants  of  rgarines,  and 
one  hundred  and  thirty  men,  together  with  all  their  boats  and 
cutters.  Major  Appling,  for  this  affair,  was  breveted,  and  his 
officers,  lieutenants  South,  M-Intosh,  Calhoun,  M'Farland  and 
Armstrong,  and  ensign  Austin,  were  publicly  thanked.  The 
conduct  of  captain  Woolsey  and  his  officers  was  not  less  ap 
plauded. 

"  The  consequences  of  this  affair,  were  severely  felt  by  the 
British;  they  lost  a  number  of  their  best  seamen  and  officers, 
and  commodore  Chauncey  was  once  more  master  of  the  lake. 
He  accordingly  sailed  out,  and  several  times  presented  himself 
before  Kingston,  but  sir  James  did  not  think  it  prudent  to  stir 
out,  until  his  large  ship  of  one  hundred  and  twelve  guns,  then 
on  the  stocks,  should  be  completed.  This  mode  of  warfare  was 
exceeding  expensive,  but  more  to  the  British  than  to  the  Ame 
ricans  ;  it  is  ascertained  that  it  cost  the  former  more  than  twice 
what  was  expended  by  the  Americans;  in  consequence  of  their 
greater  difficulties  of  transportation. 

**  General  Brown  had,  in  the  mean  time,  reached  the  Niaga 
ra  frontier,  and  it  was  expected  that  the  enemy  would  be  imme 
diately  expelled  from  the  American  territory;  but  his  situation 
did  not  permit  the  attempt,  and  with  the  exception  of  a  few  par 
tial  encounters, tranquillity  prevailed  along  the  Niagara  frontier 
during  the  summer.  It  would  be'  improper  to  pass  over  in  si- 
lence,  however,  an  affair  which  took  place  in  this  quarter.  Col 
onel  Campbell  crossed  the  lake  from  Erie,  with  about  five  hun 
dred  men,  and  landing  at  Dover,  a  small  village  on  the  Canada 
side,  proceeded  to  destroy  the  mills,  together  with  the  greater 
part  of  the  private  dwellings.  The  expedition  was  undertaken 
without  orders,  and  his  conduct  in  this  affair,  though  otherwise 
a  meritorious  officer,  was  greatly  reprobated,  a  court  of  inqui 
ry,  at  which  general  Scott  presided,  was  instituted.  The  court 
decided,  that  the  destruction  of  the  distilleries  and  mills  might 
be  justified  by  the  usages  of  war,  as  they  furnished  the  British 
troops  with  their  necessary  supplies  :  but  urith  respect  to  the 
other  part  of  his  conduct,  although  excused  in  some  measure  by 
the  example  of  the  enemy;  in  the  destruction  of  the  villages  on 
the  Niagara,  it  was  nevertheless  condemned," 

Early  in  the  spring,  intelligence  was  received,  that  a  body 
of  regulars,  militia  and  Indians,  was  collected  on  the  river 
Thames.  Captain  Lee  succeeded  in  gaining  their  rear,  and 
made  prisoners  of  several  officers,  and  among  them  colonel  Bau- 
bee,  who  commanded  a  party  of  Indians  in  their  depredations 
on  the  frontier  of  New- York. 

"A  gallant  affair  was  soon  after  achieved  by  captain  Holmes, 


334  UNIVERSAL    HISTORY  OF 

a  youth  of  ttie  most  promising  talents,  and  brother  to  the  gover- 
nour  of  the  Mississippi  territory.  With  a  party  of  about  °ne 
hundred'and  sixty  rangers  and  mounted  men,  he  proceeded  ou 
the  kwentWfirst  of  February  against  some  of  the  enemy's  posts. 
About  ihe  beginning  of  March,  he  received  intelligence,  that  a 
British  force,  which  afterwards  proved  to  be  double  his  own, 
was  descending  the  river  Thames.  Captain  Holmes,  finding 
himself  not  in  a  situation  to  give  battle,  from  the  fatigue  which 
his  men  had  already  encountered,  and  his  ignorance  of  the 
strength  of  the  enemy's  party,  fell  back  a  few  miles,  and  chos 
a  strong  position,  where  he  was  confident  of  being  able  to  defend 
himself,  until  he  could  obtain  the  necessary  information  of  the 
British.  He  despatched  a  small  body  of  rangers,  for  this  pur 
poseful  which  soon  returned,  pursued  by  the  enemy,  but  with 
out  being  able  to  learn  his  strength.  The  British  perceiving 
the  strength  of  captain  Holmes'  position,  resorted  to  stratagem 
for  the  purpose  of  drawing  him  from  it.  They  feigned  an  attack, 
and  then  retreated,  taking-  care  not  to  show  more  than  sixty  or 
seventy  men:  captain  Holmes  now  pursued,  but  with  caution  ; 
aud  after  proceeding  about  five  miies,  discovered  their  main 
body  drawn  up  to  receive  him,  on  which  he  immediately  return 
ed  to  his  former  position.  Having-  disposed  of  his  troops  in  the 
DiCit  j^Jieio-u?  mS-M^r,  ho  liiTi'ly  wait  eJ  for  them  ;  being-  prc- 
trc'ed  in  front  by  a<i«ep  ravine,  and  the  approaches  on  the  oth 
er  sides  somewhr,f  ^iJleult.  The  attack  was  commenced  at  the 
F-'!me  moment  on  every  point,  with  savage  yells,  and  the  sound 
'  f  bugles,  the  regulars  charging- up  the  heights  from  the  ravine; 
the  other  sides  were  rapidly  assailed  by  militia  and  Indians.  The 
first  approached  within  twenty  paces  of  the  American  lines, 
against  a  very  destructive  fire;  but  the  front  section  being  cut 
to  pieces,  those  who  followed  severely  wounded,  and  many  of 
their  officers  cut  down,  they  retired  to  the  woods,  within  thirty 
or  forty  paces,  and  the  firing-  continued  with  great  spirit  on  both 
sides.  The  American  regulars  being  uncovered,  were  ordered 
to  kneel,  that  the  brow  of  the  heights  might  assist  in  screening- 
them  from  the  enemy  fbiit  the  enemy's  covering  was  insufficient, 
a  single  tree  affording  no  shelter  even  to  one,  from  the  extend 
ed  line  of  the  Americans,  much  less  to  the  squads  that  stood  to- 
o-ether.  On  the  other  sides,  the  attack  was  sustained  with  equal 
coolness,  and  with  considerable  loss  to  the  foe;  the  Americans 
had,  on  three  sides,  thrown  together  some  logs  hastily,  and  no 
charge  being  made,  they  could  aim  their  pieces  at  leisure,  with 
that  deadly  certainty,  which  belongs  to  the  backwoodsman. — 
The  British,  after  an  hour  of  hard  fighting,  ordered  a  retreat, 
and  as  the  night  approached,  captain  Holmes  thought  it  not  ad 
visable  to  pursue :  besides,  his  men  were  much  fatigued,  and 
many  of  them  bad  nearly  worn  out  their  shoes-oil  the  hard  fro 


THE  UNITED   STATES.  335 

zeu  ground.  The  American  loss  on  this  occasion  did  not  amount 
to  more  than  six  killed  and  wounded.  According  to  the  state 
ment  of  the  British,  their  loss  was  sixty-five  killed  and  wound 
ed,  besides  Indians.  In  consequence  of  his  good  conduct,  in 
this  affair,  captain  Holmes  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  major. 

"Hitherto  nothingof  moment  occurred, which  could  have  much 
influence  on  the  final  result  of  the  war.     On  the  ocean,  it  had 
been  glorious   for  us;  on  the  lakes  and  on  the  frontier,  our 
arms  during  the  last  year,  had  retrieved  our  Former  disgraces; 
and  on  the  sea-coast,  the  enemy  had  .discovered  that  it  was  not 
an  easy  matter  to  make  an  impression.    It  is  true,  the  disastrous 
issue  of  the  campaign  against  Canada,  took  away  all  hope  of 
being  able  to  make  an  impression  on  tha*  province,  under  pre 
sent  circumstances;  but  the  happy  termination  of  the  Indian 
war  to  the  westward,  and  its  success  to  the  south,  in  some  de 
gree  afforded  a  consolation.     AH  important  crisis,  however,  had 
arrived  in  the  general  state  of  our  affairs.     The  third  year  of 
of  the  war  found  the  situation  of  the  country  materially  chang 
ed.     The  most  disheartening  periods|of  the  revolution  scarcely 
presented  a  state  of  things  more  painfully  embarrassing.     The 
distress  of  the  northern  states,  whose  subsistence,  in  a  great 
measure,  depended  upon  their  shipping,  and  those  of  the  peo 
ple  of  the  south,  whose  staples  had  almost  ceased  to  be  of  any 
value,  together  with  embarrassments  of  the  banks  in  the  middle 
states,  had  begun,  at  last,  to  make  us  feel  that  we  were  at  war. 
To  a  people  who  had  been  for  years  in  the  most  flourishing  state, 
a  check  to  their  prosperityjiowever  it  might  result  to  their  ulti 
mate  good,  was  felt  as  a  positive  affliction.       To  the  great  body 
of  the  farmers,  in  the  interior  of  the  country,  the  effects  of 
hostilties  were  rather  beneficial;  their  produce   was   raised  in 
price,    and  their  lands  in  value;  the    wealth  of  the  cities,  rio 
longer  applied  to  commerce,  was  diverted  to  the  Anterior,  and 
was  soon  discovered   in  the  improvement  of  the  lands,   the  in 
crease  of  the  inland  towns,  and  the  establishment  of  manufac 
tures.     But  the  number  of  those,  whom  the  war 'distressed  or 
ruined,  was  proportionally  great;  and  as  men  are  more  lo'id  in 
crying  out  against  calamities,  than  forward  in  displaying  their 
good  fortune,  the  unfavourable  side  of  the  picture  only  was  ex 
hibited.     The  philosopher  might  say,  that  what  was  lost  to  the 
nation,  on  the  one  side,  was  gained  in  the  other ;  but  this  reas 
oning  could  have  but  little  weight  with  the  individual  sufferers. 
In  several  of  the   New  England  states,  complaints  assumed  a 
more  serious  cast;  a  convention  was  talked  of,  and  it  was  even 
insinuated,  that  they  meant  to  secede  from  the  union.  This,  in 
deed,  would  have  been  an  event,  which  would  fii1  every  Ameri 
can  bosom  with  grief;  a  greater  injury  to  our  common  country 
than  a  thousand  wars.     The  collisions'between  the  state  autho- 


336  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

rities  and  that  of  the  union,  were  beginning  to  produce  all  the 
embarrassments  which  had  been  predicted  by  Patrick  Henry? 
at  the  formation  of  the  constitution.  The  supposed  existence 
of  such  a  temper,  at  the  period  of  our  utmost  need,  could  net 
fail  to  weaken  the  hands  of  the  administration,  and  increase  the 
disposition  of  England  to  prosecute  the  war.  The  embarrass 
ments  in  our  financial  system  were  alarming,  and  it  was  confi 
dently  predicted  that,  from  a  want  of  funds,  the  adn  inistration 
would  be  compelled  to  yield  up  the  reins  of  government,  or 
throw  the  nation  upon  tl>e  mercy  of  the  enemy. 

A  new  event  had  occurred  in  Europe,  which  could  not  be 
viewed  with  indifference,  even  on  these  distant  shores;  and  its 
consequence  threatened  us  with  a  serious  danger.  The  ambi 
tious  monarch  of  Franee  had  been  hurled  from  his  throne  by  the 
combined  powers  of  Europe,  and  the  house  of  Bourbon  restored. 
This  event  was  received  by  some  of  our  citizens  with  open  re 
joicing,  as  though  it  brought  some  signal  good  fortune  to  this 
country,  or  to  the  human  race.  To  tin's  country  it  could  bring 
no  benefit,  for  it  was  not  likely  that  the  king  of  France  could, 
any  more  than  Napoleon,  feel  a  friendship  for  us,  although  he 
might  not  so  cordially  hate  or  despise  us.  Louis  the  eighteenth 
could  not  be  expected  to  entertain  much  love  for  republics,  and 
certainly  not  for  ours,  the  contagion  of  whose  example  is  said 
to  have  contributed  much  to  that  dreadful  revolution,  in  which 
his  family  had  so  severely  suffered  ;  indeed,  it  is  natural  that  a 
republic,  like  ours,  should  not  be  regarded  with  much  compla 
cency  by  any  monarch ;  for,  to  use  the  expression  of  Demos 
thenes',  "  we  are  considered  as  a  spy  upon  their  actions."  Na 
poleon,  having  been  already  reduced  within  a  reasonable  com 
pass,  there  was  no  longer  any  danger  of  his  seizing  the  ships  of 
England,  and  transporting  several  hundred  thousand  men  to 
make  a  barren  conquest  of  America;  it  is  more  probable  that 
he  would  have  paid  a  visit  to  the  emperor  of  China.  I  am  not 
the  advocate  of  a  cold  and  unfeeling  policy.  The  unfortunate 
family  of  the  French  Bourbons  have  suffered  enough  to  atone 
for  many  errors  and  faults  ;  and  as  men,  we  might  be  permitted 
to  express  our  satisfaction,  that  Providence  had  deigned  to  put 
an  end  to  their  miseries.  It  had,  however,  become  a  matter 
of  indifference  to  us,  whether  the  throne  of  France  was  occu 
pied  by  an  emperor  or  a  king,  but  as  Great  Britain  had  claimed 
the  chief  merit  of  this  wonderful  operation,  public  rejoicings  for 
the  event,  had  too  mueh  the  appearance  of  a  rejoicing  for  the 
success  of  our  enemies,  and  for  the  abstract  success  of  royalty, 
which,  whether  of  recent  or  ancient  usurpation,  ought  to  be 
equally  nauseous  to  ?  republican.  The  event  was,  in  reality, 
greatly  adverse  to  our  national  interests.  Fired  by  the  success 
of  the  wars  of  the  continent,  and  extravagantly  elated  with  her 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  337 

supposed  power  and  greatness,  the  enemy  TVBS  at  liberty  to  send 
her  veteran  troops  and  her  numerous  fleets,  to  chastise  Ameri 
ca  ;  while  our  commissioners  were  suffered  to  remain  fur  months 
in  neglect,  under  a  pretence,  that  despised  republicans  might 
wait  patiently  in  the  anti- chamber,  while  Britain  was  engaged 
with  personages  of  importance.  Tins  turn  of  affairs,  far  from 
producing  exultation,  ought  rather  to  have  depressed  the  friends 
of  liberty  and  America.  Great  Britain  was  highly  incensed 
that  we  had  not  waited,  how  long  no  one  could  lell,  with  all  due 
patience,  tinder  the  numerous  outrages  she  had  perpetrated  for 
years,  until,  disengaged  from  ell  her  European  wars,  she  would 
have  leisure  to  give  us  a  severe  chastisement  for  daring  to  as 
sert  our  rights.  It  now  behoved  us  to  think  no  more  ot  invad 
ing  Canada  ;  our  northern  frontier  was  to  be  laid  waste,  our 
sea-coast  devastated,  and  the  utmost  to  bo  expected,  was  a  suc 
cessful  self-defence.  In  the  plenitude  of  her  arrogance,  Britain 
talked  of  recolonization,  and  of  crippling  us  for  fifty  years  to 
come.  Such  was  the  situation  of  America  at  this  eventful  peri 
od  ;  the  time  was  approaching,  which  would  put  to  the  tost  the 
strength  of  our  confederation,  and  our  ability  for  defence;  and 
and  what  was  still  more  interesting,  the  time  had  come, 
would  try  our  attachments  to  our  political  institutions,  which, 
although  not  yet  venerable  from  time,  deserved  the  highest  ad 
miration  for  their  justice  and  wisdom.  The  people  of  other 
nations  could  not  view  with  indifference,  the  fate  of  this  i.- 
and  sanctuary  of  the  oppressed  and  unfortunate  throughout  the 
world. 

The  northern  sea-coast,  which  had  thus  far  experienced  little- 
molestation  from  the  enemy,  became  the  object  of  attack  early 
in  the  spring.  On  the  seventh  of  April,  a  body  of  sailc 
marines,  to  the  number  of  two  hundred,  ascend'ed  the  Connec 
ticut  river,  as  far  as  Saybrook,  where  they  spiked  the  cannon, 
and  destroyed  the  shipping;  they  proceeded  iheuce  to  Brock- 
way's  ferry,  where  they  did  the  same;  and  afterwards,  unap 
prehensive  of  attack,  carelessly  remained  twenty-four  hours. 
In  the  meantime,  a  body  of  militia,  tog-ether  with  a  number  of 
marines  and  sailors,  under  captain  Jones  and  lieutenant  Diddle, 
had  collected  for  the  purpose  of  cutting  off  their  retreat;  but 
the  British,  taking  advantage  of  a  very  dark  night,  and  using 
muffled  oars,  escaped  to  their  fleet,  after  having  destroyed  two 
hundred  thousand  dollars  worth  of  shipping. 

About  this  time  the  coasting  trade  was  almost  destroyed  by  a 
British  privateer,  the  Liverpool  Packet,  which  cruised  in  the 
sound.  Commodore  Lewis  sailed  with  a  detachment  of  thir 
teen  gunboats,  and  succeeded  in  chasing  her  off.  On  his  arri 
val  at  Saybrook,  he  found  upwards  of  fifty  vessels  bound  to  the 
eastward,  but  afraid  to  venture  out.  The  commodore  consented 
29 


338  UNIVW  RSAL  HISTORY  OF 

to  take  them  under  convoy,  but  was  not  able  to  promise  them, 
protection  against  the  squadron  then  blockading  New  London 
They,  however,  being  disposed  to  run  the  risk,  he  sailed  with 
them  on  the  twenty-fifth,  and  in  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day 
was  compelled  to  throw  himself  between  his»convoy  and  a  Bri 
tish  .frigate,  a  sloop  of  war  and  a  tender,  and  kept  up  a  contest, 
until  the  coasters  had  safely  reached  New  London.  Having 
attained  his  object,  he  determined  to  try  what  he  could  do  with 
his  gunboats  against  the  enemy's  ships.  Furnaces  being  hasti 
ly  constructed,  he  began  to  throw  hot  balls  at  the  enemy's  sides, 
and  repeatedly  set  their  ships  on  fire,  without  receiving  any 
injury  himself.  The  sloop  soon  withdrew,  and  the  fire  was 
principally  directed  against  the  frigate.  One  shot  passed 
through  her,  very  near  her  magazine;  her  lieutenant,  and  a 
great  number  of  her  men  were  already  killed;  her  captain  was 
on  the  point  of  striking,  when  he  observed  that  the  gunboats 
had  ceased  firing.  The  night  soon  after  coming  on,  the  gun 
boats  desisted  from  the  attack,  determined  to  wait  until  morn 
ing.  At  daylight,  they  perceived  the  squadron  towing  away  : 
it  was  resolved  to  pursue  them,  but  several  other  frigates  soon 
made  their  appearance,  and  put  a  stop  to  this  design.  This  af 
fair  together  with  that  of  Craney  island,  revived  the  discussion 
on  the  utility  of  gunboats  in  the 'defence  of  harbours  and  the 
coast.  Great  services  had  been  rendered  by  captain  Lewis  on 
this  as  well  as  on  many  other  occasions. 

Formidable  squadrons  were  kept  up  before  the  ports  of  Ne  w 
York,  New  London  and  Boston;  and  the  whole  eastern  coast 
was  exposed  to  the  enemy.  The  war  was  carried  on  here  in  a 
very  different  manner  from  that  to  the  south.  Commodore 
Hardy  would  not  permit  any  wanton  outrages  upon  private 
property,  or  upon  defenceless  individuals.  In  spite,  however, 
of  his  general  demeanour,  there  were  particular  instances  of 
the  contrary  on  the  part  of  the  officers  commanding  smaller 
parties,  and  actuated  by  a  thirst  for  plunder.  At  the  towns  of 
Warebarn  and  Scituate,  they  burned  all  the  vessels  at  their 
moorings  ;  and  at  the  former,  they  set  fire  to  an  extensive  cot 
ton  manufactory.  At  a  place  called  Boothbay,  they  met  with 
a  spirited  resistance,  and  were  repeatedly  repulsed  in  various 
desperate  attacks. 

An  invasion  of  a  more  serious  nature  was  made  in  July.  On 
the  eleventh  of  that  month,  sir  Thomas  Hardy,  with  a  strong 
force,  made  a  descent  on  Moose  Island,  and  after  taking  posses 
sion  of  Eastport,  declared  all  the  islands  and  towns,  on  the  eas 
tern  side  of  Passamaquoddy  bay,  to  appertain  to  his  Britannic 
majesty,  and  required  the  inhabitants  to  appear  within  seven 
days  and  take  the  oath  of  allegiance.  About  two  thirds  of  the 
inhabitants  submitted  ;  but  in  the  month  of  August,  the  council 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  339 

ofthe  province  of  New  Brunswick  declared,  that  notwithstand 
ing  the  oath  of  allegiance,  they  should  be  considered  as  a  con 
quered  people,  and  placed  under  military  government.  Eastport 
was  soon  after  strongly  fortified;  but  it  was  found  extremely 
difficult  for  the  enemy  to  subsist  his  troops,  and  the  desertions 
were  so  frequent  as  to  render  it  almost  impossible  to  keep  up  a 
garrison. 

The  commodore  soon  after  sailed  with  a  part  of  his  squadron, 
for  the  purpose  of  attacking  Stonington.  The  appearance  of 
this  force  excited  much  alarm,  which  was  not  diminished,  when 
they  received  a  message  from  the  commodore,  to  remove  the 
women  and  children,  as  he  had  received  orders  to  reduce  the 
place  to  ashes.  The  inhabitants,  although  with  very  trifling 
means  of  defence,  determined  to  make  an  attempt  to  save  their 
property.  The  handful  of  militia  of  the  place,  repaired  to  a 
small  battery  erected  on  the  shore,  and  to  a  breastwork  thrown 
up  for  musketry,  and  at  the  same  time  despatched  an  express  to 
obtain  assistance  from  general  Gushing,  commanding  at  New 
London.  In  the  evening,  five  barges  and  a  large  launch,  filled 
with  men,  approached  the  shore,  under  cover  of  a  heavy  fire 
from  the  ships.  The  Americans,  reserving  their  fire  until  the 
enemy  were  within  short  grape  distance,  opened  their  two 
eighteen-pounders,  and  soon  compelled  the  invaders  to  retire 
out  of  the  reach  of  their  battery.  They  next  proceeded  to  an 
other  part  of  the  town,  which  they  supposed  defenceless,  but  a 
part  of  the  militia  being  detached  thither  with  a  six-pounder, 
the  barges  were  again  repulsed  ;  the  enemy  then  retired  to  t  heir 
ships,  but  determined  to  renew  the  attack  in  the  morning;  and 
in  the  meantime,  kept  up  a  bombardment  until  midnight.  The 
next  morning.it  was  discovered,  that  one  ofthe  enemy's  vessels 
had  approached  within  pistol  shot  of  the  battery,  and  the  barges 
advanced  in  still  greater  numbers  than  the  day  before ;  these 
were  again  gallantly  repulsed,  and  the  vessel  driven  from  her 
anchorage.  The  squadron  then  renewed  the  bombardment  of 
the  town,  but  without  effect;  and  on  the  twelfth,  the  commo 
dore  thought  proper  to  retire.  The  inhabitants,  after  this  gal 
lant  defence,  which,  considering  the  means  with  which  it  was 
effected,  and  the  great  disparity  of  force  opposed  to  them,  de 
serves  much  praise,  once  more  occnpied  their  dwellings  in  se 
curity. 

It  was  not  long  after  this,  that  the  British  occupied  all  that 
part  ofthe  district  of  Maine  between  Penobscot  river  and  Pas- 
samaquoddy  bay,  and  declared  it  to  be  held  as  a  colony. 

On  the  first  of  September,  the  governor  of  Nova  Scotia,  and 
admiral  Griffith  entered  the  Penobscot  river,  and  took  possession 
of  Castine,  which  the  garrison  had  previously  evacuated.  A 
proclamation  was  then  issued,  declaring  that  possession  of  that 


340  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

possession  of  that  part  of  the  province  of  Maine  east  of  the  Pe- 
nobscot,  was  formally  taken,  in  the  name  of  his  Britannic  ma 
jesty.  The  country,  which  contained  about  thirty  thousand 
inhabitants,  was  then  gradually  occupied,  and  possessed  until 
the  conclusion  of  the  war. 

The  naval  incidents  of  eighteen  hundred  and  fourteen,  are  as 
grateful  to  American  feelings  as  those  of  the  two  former  years. 
An  occurrence  took  place  in  the  very  beginning  of  the  year, 
which  afforded  to  us  as  much  cause  for  triumph,  as  of  mortifica 
tion  to  the  enemy.  In  the  month  of  February,  commodore 
Rodgers,  on  hid  return  from  a  cruise  in  the  President,  found 
himself  off  Sandy  Hook,  within  a  short  distance  of  three  large 
British  ships  of  war,  the  nearest  cf  which  was  the  Plantagenet, 
a  seventy-four.  Believing  that  an  engagement  with  one  or  all 
of  them,  was  unavoidable,  he  cleared  his  shipjor  action,  deter 
mining  not  to  surrender  without  selling  his  ship  as  dearly  as  ho 
could.  But  notwithstanding  he  fired  several  guns  to  windward, 
as  a  proof  of  his  willingness  to  engage,  the  British  vessels  did 
uot  think  proper  to  approach,  and  he  safely  reached  New  Tork. 
Captain  Lloyd,  of  the  Plantagenet,  after  returning  to  England, 
accounted  for  his  conduct,  by  alleging  a  mutiny  in  his  ship,  and 
several  of  his  sailors  were  executed  un  the  charge. 

Another  affair  took  place  soon  after,  which  furnished  a  still 
stronger  proof  of  the  now  acknowledged  superiority  of  America 
upon  the  ocean,  an  acknowledgement  more  strongly  expressed 
than  by  words.  In  the  month  of  April,  captain  Siewart  was 
also  on  his  return  in  the  Constitution,  after  a  cruise,  when  he 
was  chased  by.two  British  frigates  and  a  brig,  but  escaped  by 
superior  seamanship,  into  Marblehead.  Some  time  before,  af 
ter  capturing  the  public  schooner  Picton,  he  fell  in  with  the 
British  f"i<?;ate  La  Pique,  captain  Maitland,  who  fled  on  the 
approaci  f  the  Constitution,  and  finally  escaped  during  the 
night,  after  a  long  chase.  Captain  Maitland  was  complimented 
by  the  board  of  admiralty,  for  thus  obeying  their  instructions, 
in  not  fighting  an  American  frigate  singly  :  it  having  been  de-' 
termined  that  not  less  than  two  frigates  could  be  a  match  for  an 
American. 

The  enemy  had  become  equally  shy  of  the  gunboat  flotilla, 
Commodore  L-  <-dly  beat  off  the  British  vessels  near 

Sandy  Hook.  ••'  Vated  the  return  of  the  American  ships. 

The  Kegenl  virh  a  very  valuable  cargo,  was  chased  by 

the  Belvid'.  commodore  Lewis  throwing  himself  with 

eleven  of  ;  ><>ats   between   them,  the  frigate  moved  off 

without  i  'lie  shot  of  the  gunboats. 

That  bnivu  uud  adventurous  seaman,  commodore  Porter,  ter 
minated  this  year  his  glorious  cruise  in  the  Pacific.  From 
Lima,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  which  he  had  chastised  the  pi-. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  34 1 

rates  of  the  ship  Nereyda,  he  proceeded  to  the  Gallipagoa, 
where  ha  cruised  from  April,  1813,  until  October',  and  in  the 
course  of  that  time  captured  twelve  British  armed  whale  ships, 
carrying  in  all  one  hundred  and  seven  guns,  and  three  hundred 
and  two  men. 

Several  of  these  were  equipped  as  American  cruisers  and 
store  ships;  and  the  Atlantic,  now  called  the  Essex  Junior,  of 
twenty  guns  and  sixty  men,  was  assigned  to  lieutenant  Downes, 
The  prizes  which  were  to  be  laid  u.5,  were  convoyed  by  thia 
officer  to  Valparaiso.  On  his  return,  he  brought  intelligence 
to  commodore  Porter,  that  a  British  squadron,  consisting  of 
one  frigate  and  two  sloops  of  war,  and  a  store  ship  of  twenty 
guns,  had  sailed  in  quest  of  the  Essex.  The  commodore,  hav 
ing  been  almost  a  year  at  sea,  with  little  intermission,  found  it 
absolutely  necessary  that  his  ship  should  undergo  considerable 
repairs.  With  (his  view,  he  steered  to  the  island  of  Nooahee- 
vah,  or  Madison's  island,  which  he  so  named  in  honour  of  the 
president. 

Here  he  found  a  fine  bay,  and  a  situation  in  every  respect 
suitable  to  his  wishes,  the  inhabitants  apparently  friendly.  But 
it  was  not  long  before  he  found  that  his  situation  would  be  un- 
sife,  in  consequence  of  a  war  which  prevailed  between  ths  in 
habitants  of  a  neighbouring  village,  and  those  among  whom  he  • 
had  been  received.  These  insisted  upon  his  joining  them  in 
their  wars,  and  threatened  to  drive  him  away  if  he  did  not.  The 
commodore  was  compelled,  by  a  regard  to  his  ov/n  safety,  to 
send  a  party  of  sailors  with  the  natives,  \vho,  by  their  assistance 
defeated  their  eneinies  ;  and  by  the  interference  of  the  commo 
dore,  a  peace  was  brought  about  between  them.  lu  consequence 
of  this,  the  natives  erected  a  village  for  the  co.nmoJore,  freely 
traded  with  him  for  provisions,  and  for  some  time  the  greatest 
harmony  prevailed. 

His  safety  was  again  threatened  by  the  conduct  cf  the  Ty- 
pees,  an  inland  tribe,  one  of  the  most  warlike  on  ths  island,  and 
which  still  continued  hostile,  and  who  were  continually  urging 
the  friendly  Indians  to  destroy  the  strang-ers. 

The  commodore  found  his  situation  growing  every  day  more 
critical.  He  therefore  resolved  to  pursue  the  course  necessary 
to  ensure  his  safety,  and  which  has  always  been  held  justifiable 
in  our  intercourse  with  uncivilzed  men,  who  are  only  to  be  re 
strained  from  violence  and  injustice  by  terror.  He  had  suc 
ceeded  thus  far  by  peaceable  means,  and  by  the  permission  of 
the  natives,  in  placing  his  vessel  in  a  state  to  be  repaired  ;  but 
should  the  tribes  around  him  become  inimical,  ^and  what  con 
fidence  can  any  one  repo?e  in  the  faith  of  a  savage,  who  regards 
only  force,)  he  might  be  in  greater  danger  in  his  present  situa 
tion.  He  was  very  unwilling  to  engage  in  war  with  them ;  to 
29* 


342  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

prevent  the  necessity,  he  sent  them  a  present,  and  requested 
that  they  would  remain  quiet  and  be  at  peace.  This  had  no  oth 
er  effect  than  to  increase  their  insolence  to  the  Americans, whom 
they  represented  as  a  cowardly  race,  or  they  would  not  have 
condescended  to  beg  for  peace.  This  enmity  was  naturally 
enough  engendered  by  their  jealousy  of  the  tribes  who  had  the 
benefit  of  the  traffic  with  the  whites,  and  by  this  means  obtain 
ed  articles  from  them,  according  to  their  estimation,  of  great 
value.  The  commodore  now  discovered,  that  his  safety  depend 
ed  entirely  upon  making  these  people  feel  his  strength,  as  it  was- 
impossible  for  him,  in  his  present  situation,  to  leave  the  island 
until  his  vessel  could  be  repaired,  and  while  the  greater  part  of 
his  effects  were  actually  on  shore.  lie  therefore  set  off,  at  the 
head  of  thirty-five  men,  against  these  people,  determined  to 
give  them  battle,  and,  by  shewing  the  efficacy  of  his  weapons, 
compel  to  be  at  peace.  The  tribes,  heretofore  friendly,  were 
on  the  point  of  breaking  out  into  hostilities,  and  were  only  in 
duced  to  wait  the  result  of  this  expedition,  of  which  they  were 
little  more  than  silent  spectators.  The  commodore  had  in  vain 
endeavoured  to  convince  them  of  the  destructive  nature  of  his 
fire-arms,  by  shooting  at  rocks  and  trees;  war  was  absolutely 
unavoidable.  But  the  small  force  with  which  he  marched,  was 
insufficient  to  make  any  impression.  Their  country  being  ex 
ceedingly  mountainous  and  abounding  in  thickets,  rendered  it 
easy  for  them  to  escape;  The  commodore  was,  therefore,  com 
pelled  to  return  in  a  worse  situation  than  before-  To  prevent 
the  friendly  Indians  from  rising,  he  found  it  necessary  to  inform 
them,  that  he  would  proceed  the  next  day  with  the  greater  part 
of  his  men.  A  large  body  was  now  marched  across  the  moun 
tains,  notwithstanding  the  extreme  difficulties  of  the  route,  and 
penetrated  into  their  valley ;  but  the  natives,  as  usual,  took  re 
fuge  in  their  inaccessible  fastnesses.  The  only  mode  of  causing 
them  to  feel  the  consequences  of  their  conduct,  was  in  the  de 
struction  of  their  villages  ;  nine  of  them  were  accordingly  burnt, 
after  which  the  party  retreated.  The  Typees  now  gladly  ac 
cepted  terms  of  peace,  and  all  the  tribes  on  the  island,  soon  af 
ter,  were  reconciled  to  each  other;  a  circumstance  which  the 
oldest  amongst  them  did  not  recollect  to  have  seen  ;  and  they 
vied  with  each  other  in  friendship  towards  the  whites  while  the 
commodore  remained. 

We  have  now  to  record  a  most  singular  fact,  and  one  which 
speaks  volumes  for  the  prowess  of  our  little  navy. 

During  the  third  year,  every  naval  combat,  without  a  single 
exception,  where  there  was  any  thing  like  an  equality  of  force, 
terminated  in  favour  of  the  Americans.  The  sloop  of  war  Pea- 
eock,  launched  in  October,  performed  a  cruise  during  the  win 
ter,  and  on  her  return  was  chased  into  St.  Mary'a.  Shu  soon 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  343 

after  put  to  sea  again,  and  on  the  twenty-ninth  of  April  discov 
ered  the  brig  of  war  Epervier,  captain  Wales,  having  several 
vessels  under  convoy.  Captain  Warrington  engaged  the  Eper 
vier,  while  the  others  were  making  their  escape.  At  the  first 
broadside,  the  foreyard  of  the  Peacock  was  totally  disabled  by 
two  round  shot  in  theetarboard  quarter.  By  this  she  was  de 
prived  of  the  use  of  her  fore  and  fore-topsail,  and  was  obliged  to 
keep  aloof  during  the  remainder  of  the  action,  which  lasted  for 
ty-two  minutes.  In  this  time  she  received  considerable  damage 
in  her  rigging,  but  her  hull  was  not  at  all  injured.  The  Eper 
vier  struck,  having  five  feet  water  in  her  hold,  her  topmasts 
over  her  side,  her  main  boom  shot  away,  her  foremast  cut  near 
ly  in  two,  her  rigging  and  stays  shot  away,  her  hull  pierced  by 
forty-five  shot,  twenty  of  which  were  within  a  foot  of  her  water 
line.  Eleven  of  her  crew  were  killed,  and  her  first  lieutenant 
and  fourteen  men  wounded.  She  was  immediately  taken  posses 
sion  of  by  lieutenant  Nicholson,  first  officer  of  the  Peacock, 
who  with  lieutenant  Vorhees,  of  Ihe  same  ship,  had  been  al 
ready  distinguished  in  another  naval  action.  The  sum  of  one 
hundred  and  eighteen  thousand  dollars  in  specie  was  found  in 
her,  and  transferred  to  the  Peacock.  Captain  Warrington  im. 
mediately  repaired,  with  his  prize  to  one  of  the  southern  ports. 
The  day  following  the  captain  discovered  two  frigates  in  chase- 
At  the  suggestion  of  lieutenant  Nicholson,  he  took  all  the  pri 
soners  on  board  the  Peacock,  and  leaving  a  sufficient  number  on 
board  the  Epervier  for  the  purpose  of  navigating  her,  he  di 
rected  her  to  seek  the  nearest  port.  By  skillful  seamanship  the 
captain  succeeded  in  escaping  from  the  enemy's  ships,  and 
reached  Savannah,  where  he  found  his  prize/  Lieutenant  Ni 
cholson,  by  his  good  management,  had  brought  her  in,  after  en 
countering  very  great  difficulties. 

The  new  sloop  of  war  Wasp,  captainly  Blakely,  sailed  from 
Portsmouth  on  the  first  of  May,  and  after  capturing  seven  mer- 
merchantmen,  fell  in  with  the  British  brig  of  war  t}ie  Reindeer, 
captain  Manners,  which  she  captured  after  an  action  of  eigteen 
minutes.  On  the  sixth  of  July,  being  in  chase  of  two  vessels, 
he  discovered  the  Reindeer,  and  immediately  altered  his  course, 
and  hauled  by  the  wind  in  chase  of  her.  At  fifteen  minutes 
past  one,  captain  Blakely  prepared  for  action  }  but  it  was  not 
before  fifteen  minutes  after  three,  in  consequence  of  their  ma- 
nrevreing,  and  the  endeavours  of  the  Reindeer  to  escape,  that 
they  approached  sufficiently  near  to  engage.  Several  guns 
were  fired  from  the  Wasp  before  her  antagonist  could  bring 
her  guns  to  bear;  her  helm  was  then  put  alee,  and  at  twenty- 
six  minutes  after  three,  captain  Blakely  commenced  the  action 
with  his  after  carronadjs  on  the  starboard  side,  and  fired  in  suc 
cession.  Shortly  after,  the  larboard  bow  coming  in  contact 


344  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

with  the  Wasp,  captain  Manners  gave  orders  to  board,  but  the 
attempt  was  gallantly  repulsed  by  the  crew  of  the  Wasp,  and 
the  enemy  was  several  times  repelled ;  at  forty-four  minutes  past 
three,  orders  were  given  to  board  in  turn.  Throwing  themselves 
with  promtitude  upon  her  deck,  they  succeeded  in  the  execu 
tion  of  their  orders;  and  at  forty  minutes  past  four  the  flag  of 
the  enemy's  ship  came  down.  She  was  almost  cut  to  pieces, 
and  half  her  crow  was  killed  and  wounded.  The  loss  of  the 
Wasp  was  five  killed  and  twenty-one  wounded;  among  the  lat 
ter,  midshipmen  Langdon  and  Toscan,  both  of  whom  expired 
some  days  after.  The  Reindeer  having  been  found  altogether 
unmanageable,  was  blown  up,  and  captain  Blakely  steered  for 
L'Orient,  to  provide  for  the  wounded  of  both  crews. 

After  leaving  L'Orient,  and  capturing  two  valuable  British 
merchantmen,  captain  Blakely  fell  in  with  a  fleet  of  ten  sail, 
under  convoy  of  the  Armada  seventy  four  and  a  bomb  ship.  He 
stood  for  them,  and  succeeded  in  cutting  out  of  the  squadron 
a  brig  laden  with  brass  and  iron  cannon  and  military  stores, 
from  Gibraltar ;  after  taking  out  the  prisoners  and  setting  her 
on  fire,  he  endeavoured  to  cut  out  another,  but  was  chased  off 
by  the  seventy  four.  In  the  evening1,  at  half  past  six,  he  de 
scried  two  vessels,  one  on  his  starboard  and  one  on  his  larboard 
bow,  and  hauled  for  that  which  was  farthest  to  windward.  At 
seven  she  was  discovered  to  be  a  brig  of  war,  and  at  twenty 
nine  minutes  past  nine  she  was  under  the  lee  bow  of  the  Wasp. 
An  action  soon  after  commenced,  which  lasted  until  ten  o'clock, 
when  captain  Blakely,  supposing  his  antagonist  to  be  silenced, 
ceased  firing,  and  demanded  if  he  had  surrendered.  No  an 
swer  being  returned,  he  commenced  firing  ;  and  the  enemy 
returned  broadside  for  broadside  for  twelve  minutes,  when, 
perceiving  that  the  two  last  were  not  returned,  he  hailed  again, 
and  was  informed  that  she  was  sinking,  and  that  her  comman 
der  had  struck.  Before  the  Wasp's  boat  could  be  lowered,  a 
second  brig  of  war  was  discovered  :  the  crew  were  instantly 
sent  to  their  quarters,  and  the  Wasp  was  standing  to  for  the 
approach  of  the  stranger,  when  two  other  brigs  appeared  :  he 
now  made  sail,  and  endeavoured  to  draw  the  first  one  after  him, 
but  without  effect.  The  name  of  the  prize  has  sines  been 
ascertained  to  have  been  the  Avon,  captain  Arbuthnot,  of  the 
same  force  as  the  Reindeer.  She  sunk  immediately  after  the 
last  man  had  been  taken  out  of  her.  She  had  eight  killed  and 
thirty  one  wounded,  including  her  captain  and  several  other 
officers. 

The  Wasp  soon  repaired  her  damage,  and  continued  on  her 
cruise.  On  the  twenty  first  of  September,  she  captured,  off 
the  Madeiras,  her  thirteenth  prize,  the  British  brig  Atalanta, 
eight  guns,  and  the  only  one  she  sent  into  port.  The  return  of 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  345 

this  vessel,  after  her  brilliant  cruise,  was  for  along  time  fondly 
looked  for  by  oar  country;  but  all  hope  has  at  last  vanished  of 
ever  seeing  her  again.  There  is  but  little  doubt  that  the  brave 
commander  and  the  gallant  crew  have  found  a  common  grave 
in  the  waste  of  ocean  ;  but  they  will  always  live  in  the  fond 
gratitude  and  recollection  of  their  country. 

The  loss  of  the  frigate  President  was  severely  felt  at  the 
time,  of  which  the  following  is  an  unvarnished  tale. 

The  blockade  of  contnodore  Dacutur's  squadron  at  New 
London,  having  been  continued  until  after  the  season  had  pas 
sed  in  which  there  existed  any  prospect  of  escape,  the  ships 
were  ordered  up  the  river  and  dismantled,  while  the  commo 
dore  with  his  crew  were  transferred  to  the  President,  then  at 
New  York.  A  cruise  was  contemplated,  in  conjunction  with 
the  Peacock,  the  Hornet,  and  the  Tom  Bowline  store  ship. 
Tiie  commodore  thinking  it  more  safe  to  venture  out  singly, 
appointed  a  place  of  rendezvous,  and  ordered  the  other  vessels 
to  follow.  In  consequence  of  the  negligence  of  the  pilot,  the 
President  struck  upon  the  bar,  and  remained  there  thumping 
for  two  hours,  by  which  her  ballast  was  deranged,  and  her 
trim  for  sailing  entirely  lost.  The  course  of  the  wind  preven 
ted  from  returning  into  port ;  he  put  to  sea  trusting  to  the 
excellence  of  his  vessel.  At  daylight  he  fell  in  with  a  British 
squadron,  consisting  of  the  Endymion,  Tenedos  and  Poraone 
frigates,  and  the  Majestick  razee.  In  spite  of  every,  exertion 
they  gained  upon  him;  the  foremost,  the  Endymion,  got  close  un 
der  his  quarters  and  commenced  firing.  The  commodore  de 
termined  to  bear  up  and  engage  her,  with  the  intention  of  car 
rying  her  by  boarding,  and  afterwards  escaping  in  her,  and 
abandoning  his  own  ship.  In  this  he  was  prevented  by  the 
manoeuvreing  of  the  enemy,  who  protracted  the  enjage'nent 
for  two  hours,  until  the  rest  of  the  squadron  were  fast  gaining 
upon  them.  He  now  assailed  the  Endymion,  and  in  a  short 
time  completely  silenced  her,  leaving  her  a  wreck.  The  Pres 
ident  was  also  considerably  damaged,  having  lost  twenty  five 
men  killed  and  wounded  ;  among  the  former,  lieutenants  Babit 
and  Hamil  ton ;  and  acting  lieutenantHowell ;  among  the  latter, 
the  commodore  himself,  and  midshipman  Dale,  who  aftenvar  Js 
died.  On  the  approach  of  the  squadron,  the  gallant  commodore, 
unwilling  to  sacrifice  the  lives  of  his  men  in  a  useless  contest, 
on  receiving-  the  fire  of  the  nearest  frigate,  surrendered.  On  this 
occasion,  we  cannot  pass  in  silence  the  dishonourable  conduct 
of  the  British  officers  of  the  navy,  where  such  ought  least  to 
have  been  expected.  The  generous  and  heroick  character  of 
Decatur  is  acknowledged  wherever  the  American  flag  is  known, 
and  requires  no  testimony  in  its  support,  for  the  British  them 
selves  have  often  declared  their  admiration  of  this  chivalrous 


34tf  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

officer.  The  commodore  was  taken  on  boarrd  the  Endymion, 
for  the  purpose  of  acting  the  miserable  farce  of  surrendering 
his  sword  to  the  officer  of  a  frigate  of  equal  size,  but  which  would 
have  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  commodore,  but  for  the  ap 
proach  of  the  squadron.  Decatur  indignantly  refused  to  give 
up  his  sword  to  any  one  but  the  commander  of  the  squadron. 
Another  artifice  was  actually  resorted  to,  in  order  to  satisfy 
the  good  people  of  England  that  the  President  was  a  seventy 
four  in  disguise:  she  was  lightened  laid  in  dock,  along  side  of 
an  old  seventy  four,  diminished  to  appearance  by  being  deeply 
laden.  Thus  it  seems,  a  British  frigate  had  captured  an  Amer 
ican  seventy  four.  The  naval  superiority  of  Great  Britein  was 
therefore  no  longer  doubted. 

The  following  account  of  several  naval  victories  seems 
almost  incredible,  but  they  are  too  well  authenticated  to  leave  a 
doubt  on  the  mind  of  those  who  are  willing  to  credit  on  the  best 
of  human  testimony. 

Not  the  least  amongst  the  exploits  of  our  naval  heroes,  WBS 
the  capture  of  two  of  the  enemy's  ships  of  war  by  the  Con 
stitution,  Captain  Stewart.  Having  sailed  on  a  cruise,  he 
discovered  two  ships,  one  of  which  bore  up  for  the  Constitu 
tion,  but  soon  after  changed  her  course,  to  join  her  con- 
sort.l  The  Constitution  gave  chase  to  both,  and  at  six  P.  M. 
ranged  ahead  of  the  sternmost,  brought  her  on  the  quarter, 
her  consort  on  the  bow,  and  opened  a  broadside,  which  was 
immediately  returned.  An  exchange  of  broadsides  continued 
until  both  ships  were  enveloped  in  smoke;  upon  the  clearing 
away  of  which,  the  Constitution  finding  herself  abreast  of  the 
headmost  ship,  captain  Stewart  ordered  both  sides  to  be  man 
ned,  backed  topsails,  and  dropped  into  his  first  position.  The 
ship  on  the  bow  backed  sails  also.  The  Constitution's  broad 
sides  were  then  fired  from  the  larboard  battery,  and  in  a  few 
moments  the  ship  on  the  bow,  perceiving  her  errour  in  getting 
eternboard,  filled  away  with  the  intention  of  tacking  athwart 
the  bows  of  the  Constitution,  while  the  othe*  fell  off  en 
tirely  unmanageable.  The  Constitution  then  filled  away  in 
pursuit  of  the  former,  and  coming  within  a  hundred  yards,  gave 
her  several  raknig  broadsides,  and  so  crippled  her  that  no  fur- 
Iher  apprehensions  were  entertained  of  her  ability  to  escape  ; 
the  captain  therefore  returned  to  the  first  which  immediately 
struck.  Possession  was  then  taken  of  her  by  lieutenant 
Hoffman,  and  proved  to  be  the  frigate  Cyane,  captain  Gor 
don  Falcon,  of  thirty  four  guns.  Captain  Stewart  then  steer 
ed  in  pursuit  of  the  other  vessel,  and  after  a  short  resistance, 
in  which  she  suffered  considerably,  she  struck  with  five  feet 
water  in  her  hold.  She  proved  to  be  the  sloop  of  war  Levant, 
of  eighteen  thirty  two  pound  corronades.  The  loss  on 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  347 

board  the  two  ships  amounted  to  about  eighty  in  killed  and 
wounded,  on  board  the  Constitution  there  were  four  killed  and 
eleven  wounded  ;  but  the  ship  received  a  very  trifling  injury. — 
On  the  tenth  of  March,  captain  Stewart  entered  the  harbour  of 
Port  Praya,  with  his  prizes,  and  on  the  'eleventh  a  British  squad 
ron  of  two  sixty  gun  ships  and  a  frigat,e  appeared  off  the  entrance 
of  the  harbour;  captain  Stewart,  having  no  faith  in  his  security, 
in  this  neutral  port,  made  sail  with  his  prize  the  Cyane,  and 
though  closely  pursued,  had  the  good  fortune  to  escape  into  the 
United  States.  The  Levant  was  recaptured  in  the  Portuguese 
port,  in  contempt  of  the  neutral  state.  These  are  acts  of  injus 
tice,  in  which  no  nation  can  ever  prosper. 

The  Peacock,  Hornet,  and  Tom  Bowline,  left  Xew  York  a 
few  days  after  the  President,  without  having  received  informa 
tion  of  her  capture.  On  the  23d  of  January,  1815,  the  Hornet 
parted  company,  and  directed  her  course  to  Tristan  d'Acuna, 
the  place  of  rendezvous.  On  the  23d  of  March,  she  descried 
the  British  brig  Penguin,  captain  Dickinson,  of  eighteen  guns 
and  a  twelve  pound  carronade,  to  the  eastward  and  southward 
of  the  island.  Captain  Biddle  hove  to,  while  the  Penguin  bore 
down  ;  at  forty  minutes  past  one,  the  British  vessel  comrrenced 
the  engagement.  The  firing  was  hotly  kept  up  for  fifteen  mi 
nutes,  the  Penguin  gradually  nearing  the  Hornet  with  the  in 
tention  to  board,  her  captain  having  given  orders  for  this  pur 
pose,  but  was  killed  by  a  grape  shot  :  her  lieutenant  then  bore 
her  op,  and  running  her  bowsprit  between  the  main  and  min- 
zen  rigging  of  the  Hornet,  gave  orders  to  board.  His  men, 
however,  perceiving  the  crew  of  the  Hornet  ready  to  receive 
them,  refused  to  follow  him.  At  this  moment,  the  heavy  swell 
of  the  sea  lifted  the  Hornet  ahead,  and  the  enemy's  bowsprit 
carried  away  her  mizzen  shrouds  and  spanker  boom,  and 
the  Penguin  hung  upon  the  Hornet's  quarter,  with  the  loss  of 
her  foremast  and  bowsprit.  Her  commander  then  called  out 
that  he  had  surrendered,  and  captain  Biddle  ordered  his  men  to 
cease  firing.  At  this  moment  an  officer  cf  the  Hornet  called  to 
captain  Biddle,  that  a  man  was  taking  aim  at  him  in  the  ene 
my's  shrouds  ;  lie  had  scarcely  changed  his  position,  when  a 
musket  ball  struck  Lim  in  t!:e  neck,  and  wounded  him  severely. 
Two  marines  immediately  levelled  their  pieces  at  the  wretch, 
and  killed  him  before  he  brought  his  gun  from  his  shoulder. — 
The  Penguin  had  by  that  time  got  clear  of  the  Hornet,  and  the 
latter  wore  round  to  give  the  enemy  a  fresh  broadside,  when 
they  cried  out  a  second  time  that  they  had  surrendered.  It 
was  with  great  difficulty  that  captain  Biddle  could  restrain  his 
crew,  who  were  exasperated  at  the  conduct  of  the  enemy.  In 
twenty-two  minutes  after  the  commencement  of  the  action,  she 

was  taken  possession  of  by  lieutenant  Mayo,   of  the  Hornet 


348  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

The  Penguin  was  so  much  injured,  that  captain  Biddle  deter 
mined  on  taking  out  her  crew,  and  scuttling  her ;  and  after 
wards  sent  off  his  prisoners  by  the  Tom  Bowline,  which  by  this 
time  had  joined  him  with  the  Peacock.  The  enemy  lost  four 
teen  in  killed,  and  twenty-eight  woundad ;  the  Hornet  one  kil 
led,  and  eleven  wounded;  among  the  latter,  her  lieutenant, 
Conner,  dangerously. 

Captain  Biddle,  being  compelled  to  part  from  the  Peacock, 
by  the  appearance  of  a  British  ship  of  the  line,  after  being 
closely  pursued  for  several  days,  effected  his  escape  into  St. 
Salvador,  where  the  news  of  peace  soon  after  ajrived.  The 
capture  of  the  Cyane,  the  Levant,  and  the  Penguin,  took  place 
before  the  expiration  of  the  time  limited  by  the  second  article 
of  the.treaty  of  peace. 

The  exploits  of  the  privateers  continued  to  rival  those  of  our 
national  vessels.  In  one  instance  the  enemy  was  compelled  to 
pay  dearly  for  his  disregard  of  the  sanctuary  of  a  neutral  port. 
The  privateer  Armstrong  lay  at  anchor  in  the  harbour  of  Fay- 
al,  when  a  British  squadron,  consisting  of  the  Carnation,  the 
Plantagenet,  and  the  Rota  hove  in  sight.  Captain  Reid,  of  the 
privateer,  discovering  by  the  light  of  the  moon  that  the  enemy 
had  put  cut  his  barges,  and  was  preparing  to  attack  him,  clear 
ed  for  action,  and  moved  rear  the  shore.  Four  boats,  filled 
with  men  approached,  and  making  no  answer  on  being  hailed, 
a  fire  was  opened  upon  them,  which  was  returned,  but  they 
soon  called  out,  for  quarters,  and  were  permitted  to  haul  off. — 
They  then  prepared  fora  more  formidable  attack;  the  privateer 
was  now  anchored  within  a  cable's  length  of  the  shore,  and 
within  pistol  shot  of  the  castle.  The  next  day  they  sent  a  lleet 
of  boats,  supported  by  the  Carnation,  which  stood  before  the 
harbour,  to  prevent  the  escape  of  the  privateer.  At  midnight 
the  boats  approached  a  second  time,  to  the  number  of  twelve 
or  fourteen,  manned  with  several  hundred  men.  They  were 
suffered  to  approach  along  side  of  the  privateer;  and  without 
waiting-  an  attack;  they  were  assailed  with  such  astonishing 
fury,  that  in  forty  minutes  scarcely  a  man  of  them  was  left 
alive.  During  these  attacks  the  shores  were  lined  with  the 
inhabitauts,  who  from  the  brightness  of  the  moon,  had  a  full 
view  of  the  scene.  The  governor,  with  the  first  people  of  the 
place,  stood  by  and  saw  the  whole  affair.  After  the  second  at 
tack,  the  governor  sent  a  note  to  the  commander  of  the  Plan 
tagenet,  captain  Lloyd, requesting  him  to  desist,  but  was  answer 
ed  that  he  determined  lo  have  the  privateer  at  the  risk  of  knock 
ing  down  the  town.  The  American  consul  having  communicat 
ed  this  information  to  captain  Reid,  he  ordered  his  crew  to  save 
their  effects  as  fast  as  possible,  and  to  carry  the  dead  and 
wounded  on  shore.  At  daylight  the  Carnation  stood  close  to 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  349 

the  Armstrong,  and  commenced  a  heavy  fire  ;  but  being  con 
siderably  cut  up  by  the  privateer,  she  hauled  off  to  repair.  Cap 
tain  Reid  now  thinking  it  useless  to  protract  the  contest,  on  her 
reappearance,  scuttled  his  vessel  and  escaped  to  shore.  The 
British  loss  amounted  to  the  astonishing  number  of  one  hundred 
and  twenty  killed,  and  one  hundred  and  thirty  wounded;  that 
of  the  Americans  was  only  two  killed  and  seven  wounded. 
Several  houses  in  the  town  were  destroyed,  and  some  of  the 
inhabitants  wounded. 

Before  closing  this  chapter,  it  may  not  be  improper  to  make 
a  few  remarks  on  war  generally.  In  its  most  civilized  modes  of 
destruction,  it  is  indeed  a  dreadful  scourge.  The  distress 
which  it  occasions,  is  incalculable  and  immeasurable  ;  and  we 
may  venture  a  declaration,  that  all  the  benefit  ever  derived  from 
the  practice  of  mutual  destruction,  can  never  balance  the  evils, 
even  could  they  be  realized. 

That  the  mode  of  savage  warfare  is  more  dreadful  than  that 
of  the  more  civilized,  is  undoubted  ;  but  the  inference  is  not 
therefore  in  favour  of  hostilities,  in  any  degree.  That  the  loss 
of  blood,  and  treasure,  and  moral  feeling,  are  more  than  a  fair 
equivalent  for  any  supposed  benefits  in  expectation,  is  evident 
to  every  reflecting  mind,  even  without  bringing  into  the  ac 
count  the  dreadful  inroads  which  it  makes  in  the  domestic  cir 
cle.  Bat,  if  we  add  to  this,  the  violence  which  it  does  to  the 
principles  of  the  Christian  religion,  who  shall  fathom  it? 


CHAPTER  XV. 

Operations  of  the  Army  on  the  Frontiers. 

General  Brown  and  his  officers  were  employed  in  disciplining 
the  troops,  and  collecting  forces,  destined  to  dislodge  the  British 
from  the  'American  posts  which  they  still  occupied.  In  the  be 
ginning  of  July,  the  American  forces  amounted  to  but  two 
brigades  of  regulars,  and  one  of  New  York  volunteers,  under 
generals  Porter  and  Swift,  with  a  few  Indians. 

In  the  meantime,  the  force  of  the  enemy,  under  general 
Drummond,  had  been  greatly  increased,  by  the  addition  of  a 
number  of  veteran  regiments,  which  since  the  pacification  of 
Europe,  Great  Britain  had  been  enabled  to  send  to  this 
country. 

The  first  attack  was  on  Fort  Erie,  which  was  garrisoned  by 
one  hundred  and  seventy  men,  which  was  taken  by  surprise. 
30 


350  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

The  second  attempt  was  upon  major-general  Riall,  who  occu 
pied  an  entrenched  camp  at  Chippewa.  This  led  to  the  first 
regular  pitched  battle  during1  the  war,  and  victory  declared  for 
the  Americans,  and  the  British  were  compelled' to  retire  into 
the  camp. 

The  events  of  the  war  now  began  to  thicken,  and  its  charac 
ter  assumed  the  most  sanguinary  aspect.  The  victory  already 
obtained  by  the  Americans  over  men  superior  in  numbers  and 
discipline,  enraged  general  Drummond  to  madness.  But  the 
enemy  v;as  obliged  to  fall  back  to  Queenstown,and  finally  took 
post  at  Bnrlington  heights.  The  flush  of  victory  on  one  side, 
and  the  pride  of  military  glory  on  the  other,  led  to  deeds  of 
intrepid  -Jaring,  unexampled  in  the  former  progress  of  the  war. 
Skirmishing  was  constant  and  severe,  and  every  movement 
seemed  to  be  of  a  decisive  character.  In  these  rencontres,  the 
loss  on  both  sides,  especially  of  officers,  was  very  great. 

A  specimen  of  the  obstinate  perseverance  of  the  American 
troops,  was  exhibited  near  the  cataracts  of  N'agara,  which  lias 
few  parallels.  The  enemy  occupied  an  eminence  well  fortified, 
and  defended  by  thrice  the  number  of  men  mustered  by  the 
Americans,  while  the  latter  sustained  the  unequal  conflict  more 
than  an  hour,  when  orders  were  given  to  advance,  and  charge 
the  enemy's  heights,  and  break  the  British  line.  But  the  order 
was  countermanded. 

The  British  now  pressed  forward  on  the  ninth,  which  with 
wonderful  firmness  withstood  the  attack  cf  their  overwhelming 
numbers;  but  reduced  at  length  to  nearly  one  half,  and  being 
compelled  at  every  moment  to  repel  fresh  charges  of  the  British, 
colonel  Leavenworth  despatched  a  messenger  to  general  Scott, 
to  communicate  its  condition.  The  general  rode  up  in  person, 
roused  the  flagging  spirits  of  his  brave  men  with  the  pleasing 
intelligence,  that  reinforcements  were  expected  every  moment, 
and  besought  them  to  hold  their  ground.  Lieutenant  Riddle, 
already  well  known  as  a  reconnoitering1  officer,  was  the  first  to 
come  to  the  assistance  of  his  feliow  soldiers,  having  been  drawn 
to  the  place  by  the  soufld  of  the  cannon,  while  out  with  a  scout 
ing  party.  The  same  circumstance  induced  general  Brown  to 
proceed  rapidly  to  the  scene  of  action,  giving  orders  to  general 
Ripley  to  follow,  with  the  second  brigade.  On  his  way  he  was 
met  by  major  Jones,  and  from  his  information,  he  was  induced 
to  order  up  general  Porter,  with  the  volunteers,  together  with 
the  artillery. 

So  far,  the  Americans  had  repelled  every  attack  with  the 
most  unyielding  courage,  but  the  situation  of  the  brigade  was 
very  critical.  The  desperate  efforts  of  the  troops  led  general 
Riall  to  overrate  the  numbers  to  which  he  was  opposed,  and  he 
sent  to  general  Drummond  for  reinforcements. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  35! 

About  this  time  an  awful  pause  ensued  between  the  two  ar 
mies.;  for  a  time  no  sound  broke  upon  the  stillness  of  the  night, 
but  the  groans  of  the  wounded,  mingling  with  the  distant  din 
of  the  cataract  of  Niagara.  The  shattered  regiments  were 
consolidated  into  one  brigade,  and  placed  as  a  reserve  under 
colonel  Brady,  who,  though  severely  wounded,  refused  to  quit 
the  field.  The  silence  was  once  more  interrupted  by  the  arri 
val  of  General  Ripley's  brigade,  major  Hindmao's  artillery,  and 
§3iieral  Porter's  volunteers,  and  at  the  same  time  of  general 
rummond,  with  reinforcements. 

In  the  meantime,  that  accomplished  young  officer,  major  Jes- 
sup,  who  had  been  ordered  in  the  early  part  of  the  action,  to 
take  post  on  the  right,  had  succeeded,  during  the  engagement, 
after  encountering  great  difficulty,  in  turning  the  left  flank  of 
the  enemy.  At  the  present  moment,  taking  advantage  of  the 
darkness  of  the  night,  and  the  incaution  of  the  enemy,  he  threw 
his  regiment  in  the  rear  of  their  reserve,  and  surprising  one 
detachment  after  another,  made  prisoners  of  so  many  of  their 
officers  and  men,  that  his  progress  was  greatly  impeded.  The 
laws  of  war  would  have  justified  him  in  putting  them  to  death  : 
"  but  the  laurel,  in  his  opinion,  was  most  glorious  when  en 
twined  by  the  hand  of  mercy  ;"  he  therefore  spared  them,  un 
der  circumstances  where  they  certainly  would  not  have  spared 
him.  One  of  his  officers,  captain  Ketchum,  had  the  good  for 
tune  to  make  prisoner  of  general  Rial],  and  of  the  aid  of  general 
Drummond ;  the  latter  a  most  fortunate  circumstance,  as  it  pre 
vented  the  concentration  of  the  British  force,  contemplated  by 
that  oliicer,  before  the  Americans  were  prepared  for  his  recep 
tion.  After  disposing  of  his  prisoners,  major  Jessup  felt  his  way 
to  the  place  where  the  hottest  tire  was  kept  up  on  the  brigade 
to  which  he  belonged,  and  drew  up  his  regiment  behind  a  fence 
on  the  side  of  the  Queenstown  road,  bur.  in  the  rear  of  a  party 
of  British  infantry,  drawn  up  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  same 
road ;  he  suddenly  gave  them  a  destructive  fire,  on  which  they 
broke  and  fled.  "  The  major,"  says  general  Brown,  "  showed 
himself  to  his  own  army  in  a  blaze  of  fire."  He  was  ordered 
to  form  on  the  right  of  the  second  brigade. 

The  following  instance  of  generalship,  by  which  this  san 
guinary  contest  was  decided,  is  of  so  daring  a  nature,  and  so 
completely  developes  the  American  character,  that  it  will  be 
inserted  entire. 

General  Ripley's  brigade  had  by  this  time  been  for  men*  for 
action,  when  orders  were  given  for  it  to  advance  to  the  support 
of  general  Scott,  against  whom  a  fire  was  now  directed,  which 
he  could  not  long  withstand.  General  Ripley,  with  the  quick 
discernment  which  characterizes  the  real  commander,  seeing 
that  too  much  time  would  be  lost  before  he  could  make  his  way 


352  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

through  the  skirt  of  (he  woods,  in  the  darkness  of  the  night, 
decided  at  once  upon  his  own  responsibility,  to  adopt  the  only 
measure  from  which  he  saw  a  hope;  and  which  being- made 
known  to  the  commander  in  chief,  he  instantly  sanctioned. 

The  enemy's  artillery  occupied  a  hill,  which  was  the  key  to 
the  whole  position,  an,d  it  would  be  in  vain  to  hope  for  victory,, 
while  they  were  permitted  to  retain  it. 

Addressing  himself  to  colonel  Miller,  he  inquired  whether  he 
could  storm  the  batteries  at  the  head  of  the  twenty-first,  while 
he  would  himself  support  him  with  the  younger  regiment,  the 
twenty-third.  To  this  the  wary,  but  intrepid  veteran  replied, 
in  an  unaffected  phrase,  I  WILL  TRV,  Sm;— words,  which  were 
afterwards  given  as  the  motto  of  his  regiment. 

The  twenty-third  was  formed  in  close  column,  under  its 
commander,  Major  M'Farland,  and  the  first  regiment,  under 
colonel  Nicholas,  was  left  to  keep  the  infantry  in  check.  The 
two  regiments  moved  on  to  one  of  the  most  perilous  charges 
ever  attempted  ;.  the  whole  of  the  artillery  opened  upon  them 
as  they  advanced,  supported  by  a  powerful  line  of  infantry.  The 
twenty-first  advanced  steadily  to  its  purpose;  the  twenty-third 
faultered  on  receiving  the  deadly  fire  of  the  enemy,  but  was 
gOGIi  rallied  by  the  personal  exertions  of  general  Ripley.  When 
within  a  hundred  yards  of  the  summit,  they  received  another 
dreadful  discharge,  by  which  major  M'Farland  was  killed,  and 
the  command  devolved  on  Major  Brooks.  To  the  amazemen^ 
of  the  British,  the  intrepid  Miller  firmly  advanced,  until  within 
a  few  paces  of  their  line,  when  he  impetuously  charged  upon  the 
artillery,  which,  after  a  short  but  desperate  resistance,  yielded 
their  whole  battery,  and  the  American  line  was  in  a  moment 
formed  in  the  rear,  upon  the  ground  previously  occupied  by  the 
British  infantry. 

During  the  charge,  general  Riall  was  taken  prisoner,  and 
the  effect  may  easily  be  imagined-  But  this  brilliant  exploit 
seemed  to  spur  on  the  enemy  to  redoubled  exertions.  Being 
reinforced,  the  British  marched  with  quick  step  on  the  Ameri 
cans,  who  reserved  their  fire,  until  it  could  become  deadly. 
The  whole  British  division  came  within  twenty  paces  of  the 
lines,  when  the  well  directed  fire  from  our  troops  put  thorn  into 
confusion.  But  they  rallied  to  the  attack,  and  the  conflict  be 
came  tremendous.  But  the  enemy  yielded,  and  retired  down 
the  hill.  The  contest  was,  however,  soon  renewed  by  the  Bri 
tish,  with  the  same  results. 

Disheartened  by  these  repeated  defeats,  the  British  were  ou 
the  point  of  yielding  the  contest,  when  they  received  1'resh  rein 
forcements  from  fort  Niagara,  which  revived  their  spirits,  and 
induced  them  to  make  another  and  still  more  desperate  struggle. 
After  taking  an  hour  to  refresh  themselves,  and  recovering  from. 


THE  UNITED  STATES. 


353 


tl>eir  Fatigue,  they  advanced  with  a  new  and  more  extended 
line,  and  with  confident  hopes  of  being  able  to  overpower  the 
Americans,  who  thus  far  had  been  denied  both  refreshment  and 
repose. 

Our  countrymen  had  stood  to  their  arms  during  all  this  time, 
their  canteens  exhausted,  and  many  almost  fainting  with  thirst ; 
and  from  *he  long  interval,  they  had  begun  to  cherish  hopes 
that  the  enemy  had  yielded.  In  this  they  were  disappointed  ; 
but  on  discovering  the  approach  of  the  British,  their  courageous 
spirit  returned,  and  they  resolved  never  to  yield  the  glorious 
trophies  of  their  victory,  until  they  could  contend  no  longer. 

The  British  delivered  their  fire  at  the  same  distance  as  oo 
the  last  onset,  which  was  returned  by  the  Americans  with  the 
same  deadly  effect;  but  tiiey  did  not  fall  back  with  the  same 
precipitation ;  a  fresh  line  supplied  the  place  of  the  first,  and 
the  whole  steadily  advanced. 

A  conflict,  dreadful  beyond  description,  ensued;  the  twenty* 
first,  under  its  brave  leader,  firmly  withstood  the  shock.  The 
right  and  left  repeatedly  fell  back,  but  were  again  rallied  by  the 
general,  by  colonels  Miller,  Nicholas,  and  Jessup.  At  length 
the  two  lines  closed  with  each  ether  on  the  very  summit  of  the 
hill,  which  they  contested  with  terrific  violence  at  the  point  of 
the  bayonet. 

Such  was  the  obstinacy  of  the  contest,  that  many  battalion?, 
on  both  sides,  were  forced  back,  anJ  the  contending  parties 
became  mingled  with  each  oljxer.  Nothing  could  exceed  the 
desperation  of  the  conflict,  ul.  the  point  where  the  cannon  was 
stationed.  The  enemy  having  forced  himself  into  the  very 
unldtof  major  Himhjian'd  ariiilery,  this  officer  was  compelled 
to  spike  two  of  his  pieces,  and  was  warmly  engaged  across  the 
carriages  and  guns.  General  Ripley  now  pressing  upon  the 
enemy's  flanks,  compelled  them  to  give  way,  and  the  centre 
soon  following  the  example,  the  whole  British  line  fled  a  third 
time,  and  no  exertions  of  their  officers  could  restrain  them,  un 
til  they  placed  themselves  out  of  the  reach  of  the  musketry  and 
artillery.  The  British  being  now  completely  beaten,  retired 
beyond  the  borders  of  the  field,  leaving  their  dead  and  wound 
ed. 

The  loss  on  this  occasion  was  in  proportion  to  the  obstinacy 
of  the  conflict,  the  whole  being  seventeen  hundred  and  twenty- 
nine;  of  which  the  British  amounted  to  twenty-seven  more 
than  the  Americans. 

The  intention  of  the  American  commander  was  to  renew 
the  action  in  the  morning,  but  finding  that  he  had  but  fifteen 
hundred  men  fit  for  duty,  and  that  the  British  were  drawn  up 
in  considerable  force,  general  Ripley  determined  not  to  com 
mence  an  attack.  He  then  retreated  to  Erie,  and  extended  it* 
30* 


554  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

defences.  Having  been  reinforced  by  a  thousand  men,  the  en 
emy  appeared  before  Fort  Erie  on  the  3d  of  August,  and  com 
menced  with  regular  approaches.  By  the  7th,  the  defences 
were  sufficient  to  keep  the  enemy  at  bay.  Until  the  14th,  the 
cannonade  was  incessant,  and  the  enemy  gained  ground,  but  in 
skirmishes,  the  Americans  were  generally  victorious. 

General  Gaines  now  commanded  at  Erie,  and  colonel  Drurn- 
mond  was  preparing  to  assail  him.  At  half  past  two  in  the 
morning,  the  attack  was  commenced  by  three  columns.  On 
the  second  attempt,  the  British  gained  the  parapet,  and  the 
enemy  received  the  orders  of  colonel  Drummond,  to  give  no 
quarter!  The  ordar  was  faithfully  executed,  and  a  terrible 
strife  ensued.  Colonel  Drummond  was  shot  in  the  breast,  but 
the  enemy  still  maintained  their  position;  but  they  were  finally 
defeated. 

The  British  loss  in  this  assault  was  two  hundred  and  twenty- 
two  killed,  including  fourteen  officers  of  distinction,  one  hun 
dred  and  seven'y-fbur  wounded,  and  one  hundred  and  eighty- 
six  prisoners.  The  Amercians  lost  seventeen  killed,  fifty-six 
wounded,  and  ten  prisoners. 

Nothing  farther  of  particular  importance  transpired,  until  the 
seventeenth  of  September,  when  General  Brown,  observing- that 
the  enemy  had  just  completed  a  battery,  which  could  open  a 
most  destructive  fire  the  next  day,  planned  a  sortie,  which  has 
been  considered  a  military  chef  d'osuvre.  The  British  force 
consisted  of  three  brigades,  of  qrie  thousand  five  hundred  men, 
each,  one  of  which  was  stationed  at  the  works  in  front  of  fort 
Erie,  the  other  two  occupied  a  earnp  two  miles  in  the  rear. 
The  design  of  general  Brown  was  to  "storm  the  batteries,  de 
stroy  the  cannon,  and  roughly  handle  the  brigade  on  duty, 
before  those  in  reserve  could  be  brought  up."  A  road  had  pre 
viously  been  opened  by  lieutenants  Riddle  and  Frazer,  in  a 
circuitous  course  through  the  woods,  within  pistol  shot  of  the 
flank  of  the  line  of  batteries,  and  with  such  secresy  as  to  have 
escaped  the  notice  of  the  enemy. 

At  two  o'clock,  the  troops  were  drawn  up  in  readiness  to 
make  the  sortie.  The  division  commanded  by  general  Porter, 
was  composed  of  riflemen  and.  Indians  under  colonel  Gibson, 
and  two  columns,  one  on  the  right,  commanded  by  colonel 
Wood,  the  left  commanded  by  General  Davis,  of  the  New  York 
militia  ;  this  was  to  proceed  through  the  woods,  by  the  road 
which  had  been  opened  ;  while  the  right  division  of  the  troops,, 
in  the  ravine  already  mentioned,  was  to  be  stationed  between 
the  fort  and  the  enemy's  works,  under  general  Miller,  with  or 
ders  not  to  advance  until  general  Porter  should  have  engaged 
tkeir  flank. 

The  command  of  general  Porter  advanced  with  so  much  cc- 


THE   UNITED  STATES.  355 

lority  and  caution,  that  when  they  rushed  upon  tho  enemy's 
flank,  they  gave  the  first  intimation  of  their  approach.  A  se 
vere  conflict  for  a  moment  ensued,  ia  which  those  gallant  offi 
cers,  colonel  Gibson  and  colonel  Wood,  fell  at  the  head  of  their 
columns,  and  the  command  devolved  OB  lieutenant  colonel 
M'Donald  and  Major  Brooks.  In  thirty  minutes  possession 
vras  taken  of  both  batteries  in  this  quarter,  together  with  a 
block- house  in  the  rear,  and  the  garrison  made  prisoners. 
Three  twenty-four  pounders  were  rendered  useless,  and  their 
magazine  blown  up  by  lieutenant  Riddle,  who  narrowly  escaped 
the  effects  of  the  explosion.  At  this  moment  the  division  of 
general  Miller  came  up  ;  general  Brown  having  heard  the  firing 
had  ordered  it  to  advance.  In  conjunction  with  colonel  Gibson's 
column,  he  pierced  between  the  second  a:id  third  line  of  batter 
ies,  and  after  a  severe  contest,  carried  the  first  of  these.  In 
this  assault  general  Davis  fell,  at  the  head  of  his  volunteers. 
The  whole  of  these  batteries  and  the  two  blockhouses  being  in 
the  possession  of  the  Americans,  general  Miller's  division  in 
clined  to  the  more  formidable  batteries  toward  the  lake  shore. 
At  this  moment  they  were  joined  by  the  reserve  under  general 
RiplfV.  Here  the  resistance  was  more  obstinate,  the  work 
being1  exceedingly  intricate,  from  the  successive  lines  of  en- 
trencinrienis,  contrived  with  studied  complexity;  a  constant 
use  of  the  bayonet  was  the  only  mode  of  assailing  them  ;  the 
enemy  had.  also,  by  this  time,  received  considerable  reinforce- 
meats.  General  Miller  continued  to  advance,  although  suffer 
ing  severe  loss  in  some  of  his  valuable  officers :  colonel  Aspin- 
wall  wns  btiuly  wounded,  and  major  Trimble  dangerously.  The 
twenty- il^t,  under  lieutenant  colonel  Upiiam,  forming  a  part  of 
the  reserve,  and  part  of  the  seventeenth,  uniting  with  the  corps 
of  General  Miller,  charged  rapidly  upon  the  remaining  battery, 
which  was  instantly  abandoned  by- the  British  infantry  and  ar 
tillery-  General  Ripley  now  ordered  a  line  to  be  formed,  for 
the  protection  of  the  detachments  engaged  in  destroying  the 
batieiiec,  and  was  engaged  in  making  arrangements  for  follow 
ing  up,  against  the  rear  of  general  Drummond,  the  success 
which  hud  so  fai  transcended  expectation,  when  he  received  a 
wound  in  the  neck,  and  fell  by  the  side  of  major  Brooks;  he 
was  immediately  transported  to  the  fort.  The  objects  of  the 
sortie  having  been  completely  effected,  general  Miller  called 
in  his  detachments,  and  retired  in  good  order,  with  the  prison 
ers  and  the  trophies  of  this  signal  exploit. 

The  American  loss  in  this  affair  was  five  hundred  and  eleven, 
that  of  the  enemy  upwards  of  a  thousand,  besides  their  cannon. 

On  the  eighteenth  of  October  a  detachment  of  nine  hundred 
Americans  was  ordered  to  destroy  some  stores  at  Lyon's  creek, 
which  they  effected,  after  encountering  a  party  of  twelve  bun; 


356  UNIVERSAL    HISTORY    OF 

dred.     The  object  was  effected,  after  the  loss  of  sixty-seven' 
killed,  wounded  and  missing. 

During  the  season,  several  expeditions  were  planned,  but 
to  little  purpose.  Major  Croghan  commanded  one  destined  to 
regain  Michilimackinack,  but  the  main  object  was  unsuccess 
ful.  He  effected  a  landing,  but  his  force  was  too  feeble,  and 
the  plan  was  given  up  as  hopeless.  He  merely  destroyed  the 
establishments  at  St. Mary's  and  St.  Joseph.  General  Ml  Arthur 
made  an  incursion  into  Canada,  dispersing  some  detachments, 
destroying  their  stores,  and  taking  one  hundred  and  fifty  pri- 
oners,  returned  without  loss. 

The  shitting  scenes  of  this  war,  carried  on  over  a  surface  so 
extensive,  and  with  objects  so  various,  once  more  brings  us 
back  to  the  Atlantic  sea  coast.  With  the  return  of  spring,  the 
British  renewed  Iheir  praelice  of  petty  plundreing  and  savage 
devastation  on  the  waters  of  the  Chesapeake,  but  canying  it  to 
an  extent  still  greater  than  the  year  before.  The  flotilla  alrea 
dy  spoken  of,  for  the  defence  of  the  inlets  and  smaller  rivers, 
consisting  of  a  cutter,  two  gunboats,  and  nine  barges,  was  pla 
ced  under  the  command  of  thai  gallant  veteran,  commodore 
Barney,  and  who,  on  several  occasions,  severely  repressed  the 
inroads  of  the  enemy.  On  the  first  of  June,  he  gave  chase  to 
Itvo  of  the  enemy's  schooners,  but  on  the  appearance  of  a  large 
ship,  which  despatched  a  number  of  barges  to  cut  him  off,  the 
commodore  ordered  his  flotilla  by  signal  to  sail  up  the  Patux- 
ent.  Here  he  engaged  the  enemy's  schooners  and  barges,  and 
succeeded  in  beating  them  off,  inflicting  considerable  injury  on 
them.  The  enemy,  having  been  reinforced,  made  another  at 
tempt  upon  the  flotilla  with  all  their  barges,  but  vveie  again 
compelled  to  retire,  being  pursued  to  their  ships.  On  the  tenth, 
the  enemy  made  a  more  formidable  attack  upon  the  flotilla,  with 
two  schooners  and  twenty  barges.  After  a  smart  action,  the 
barges  were  driven  to  lake  shelter  in  the  St.  Leonard's  from  an 
eighteen  gun  vessel,  which  was  then  -so  roughly  handled,  at 
long  shot,  that  her  crew  run  her  aground  and  abandoned  her. 
These  attempts  were  frequently  repeated, until  the  twenty- sixth, 
when  the  commodore,  having  received  a  reinforcement  of  artil 
lerists  and  marines, movedagainst  the  enemy's  sqaudron, of  which 
two  of  the  vessels  were  frigates,  and  after  an  action  of  two 
hours,  drove  them  from  their  anchorage.  The  commodore  find 
ing  the  blockade  of  the  St.  Leonard's  raised,  sailed  out  and  as 
cended  the  Patuxent. 

The  marauding  system  was  now  renewed  with  additional 
spirit.  Villages  and  settlements  along  the  bay,  were  visited 
for  the  purpose  of  plunder  and  destruction.  But  apprehensions 
were  felt  of  more  important  visitations.  The  peace  in  Europe 
fcad  placed  in  the  hands  of  our  enemy,  the  disposal  of  a  large 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  357 

m'litary  force,  inured  to  discipline  and  danger.  We  hacl  little 
to  fear  from  any  attack  by  shipping  without  the  aid  of  a  con 
siderable  lan.J  force,  but  much  to  apprehend  from  their  union. 
Our  mail  army  was  occupied  in  a  border  war  at  a  distance  from 
the  coast,  whose  extent  offered  great  facilities  for  an  invading 
foe. 

To  meet  the  crisis  promptly,  a  requisition  was  made  of  the 
whole  quota  of  the  state  of  Maryland-,  of  six  thousand;  five 
thousand  of  that  of  Pennsylvania;  two  thousand  of  Virginia; 
besides  the  whole  quota  of  the  district  of  Columbia,  amounting 
to  two  thousand  more;  making  in  the  whole,  fifteen  thousand, 
which  it  was  thought  would  scarcely  fail  of  bringing  at  least  ten 
thousand  into  the  field.  It  was  ascertained,  that  about  a  thou 
sand  regulars  could  be  depended  on,  besides  a  squadron  of  horse 
then  in  Pennsylvania,  and  some  regulars  who  were  ordered 
from  North  Carolina,  and  in  addition,  the  men  of  Barney's  flo 
tilla,  in  case  it  should  be  found  necessary  to  abandon  it. 

A  nev  military  district,  composed  of  Maryland,  the  district 
of  Columbia,  and  part  of  Virginia,  was  formed,  and  on  the  fifth 
of  July  the  command  was  given  to  general  Winder,  who  had 
beeo  a  short  time  before  exchanged.  The  duties  assigned  to 
this  officer  were  amongst  the  most  important  entrusted  to  any 
one  during  the  war;  and  were,  in  their  nature,  exceedingly  ar- 
duoes  and  difficult.  The  army  with  which  he  was  to  defend  the 
important  cities  of  Baltimore  and  Washington,  existed  omy  on 
paper;  and  whether  they  could  be  brought  into  the  field,  or  no:, 
depended  upon  casualties  beyond  his  control. 

The  event  showed  that  no  dependence  was  to  be  placed  on 
this  system,  for  in  August  the  general  found  that  he  could  place 
no  confidence  in  more  than  one  thousand  regulars,  and  about 
four  thousand  militia,  the  latter  still  at  their  domestic  firesides. 
The  prospect  of  a  succesful  opposition  to  any  serious  attack 
either  on  Baltimore  or  Washington,  was  certainly  problemati 
cal;  and  to  which  point  the  enemy  would  direct  his  forces,  was 
beyond  the  power  of  human  ken/  The  force  of  general  Wind 
er,  if  divided,  was  insufficient  to  warrant  any  sanguine  hopes  of 
the  result. 

The  expected  reinforcements  arrived  in  the  Chesapeake  about 
the  beginning  of  August,  under  admiral  Cochrane.  who  was 
soon  joined  by  the  fleet  in  great  force,  under  admiral  Malcolm. 
The  expedition  was  destined  against  Baltimore  or  Washington; 
but  until  the  last  moment,  it  was  uncertain  against  which  in  par 
ticular.  To  increase  this  perplexity,  the  enemy  divided  his  force 
into  three  parts,  sending  one  up  the  Potomac,  under  captain 
Gordon,  for  the  purpose  of  bombarding  fort  Warburton,  and 
opening  the  way  to  the  City  of  Washington;  while  the  main 
body  ascended  the  Patuxent,  apparently  with  the  intention  of 


358  UNIVERSAL   HISTORY  OF 

attacking-  commodore  Barney's  flotilla,  which  had  taken  refuge 
at  the  head  of  that  tiver,  but  with  the  real  intention,  as  it  was 
soon  discovered,  of  attacking-  Washington.  They  proceeded 
to  Benedict,  which  they  reached  on  the  nineteenth  of  August, 
and  by  the  next  day  had  completed  the  debarkation  of  their 
land  forces,  under  general  Hots,  to  the  number  of  six  thousand; 
tui  the  twenty- first,  they  moved  towards  Nottingham,  and  on 
the  following  day  reached  Marlborough.  The  British  flotilla, 
consisting  of  launches  and  barges,  ascended  the  river  under 
Cockburn,  keeping  on  the  right  flank  of  the  army.  The  day 
following1,  on  approaching  the  flotilla  of  commodore  Barney,  it 
was  set  on  fire  by  the  sailors  left  for  the  purpose,  the  commo 
dore  having  already  joined  general  Winder  with  his  men, 

The  object  of  the  enemy  was  now  evident,  but  the  prospect 
of  preventing  its  accomplishment  was  discouraging.  General 
Winder's  command  did  not  exceed  three  thousand  men,  one  half 
of  which  were  inexperienced  militia,  hastily  gathered,  and  the 
British  were  in  force,  within  twenty  miles  of  the  capital.  The 
city  could  make  no  defence,  but  that  of  repelling  the  assailants 
in  the  open  field:  the  only  hope  was  in  taking  advantageous  po 
sitions  in  the  broken  ground,  bordered  with  woods,  along  the 
road  through  which  they  had  to  pass  ;  but,  as  their  numbers 
were  such  as  to  enable  them  to  push  out  flanking  parties,  this 
won'  ''.not  avail  in  the  end. 

(5fi  the  twenty -second,  the  British  army  halted  five  miles  in 
advance  of  Marlborough,  after  some  skirmishing.  General 
Winder  took  a  position  at  Old  Fields,  which  covered  Bladens- 
burgli,  the  bridges  on  the  Eastern  Branch,  and  for  Warburton. 
The  general  however,  fearing  a  night  attack,  retired  to  the  ci 
ty,  intending  to  choose  a  place  in  which  he  might  repel  the  en 
emy  to  the  best  advantage. 

The  best  arrangements  the  time  would  permit,  were  made. 
About  five  hundred  yards  from  the  bridge,  the  ariillery,  consist 
ing  of  six  six-pounders,  under  the  command  of  captains  Myers 
and  Magruder,  was  posted  behind  a  kind  of  breast  work;  major 
Pinkney's  riflemen  were  placed  in  ambush  to  the  right  and  left, 
so  as  to  annoy  the  enemy  in  attempting  to  ford  the  stream,  and 
at  the  same  time  to  support  the  artillery.  The  fifth  regiment 
was  drawn  up  about  fifty  yards  in  the  rear;  and  afterwards,  per 
haps  injudiciously,  removed  much  further;  the  other  parts  of 
the  brigade  were  so  disposed,  as  to  support  the  artillery,  and  an 
noy  the  enemy  in  his  approach.  Shortly  after  this  order  was 
formed,  major  Beall  arrived  with  about  five  hundred  men  from 
Annapolis,  and  was  posted  higher  up  in  a  wood  on  the  right  of 
the  road.  General  Winder,  by  this  time,  had  brought  up  the 
main  body,  and  formed  it  in  a  line  to  the  right  and  left  of  the 
road,  in  the  rear  of  Stansbury's  brigade,  and  the  detachment 


THE  UNITED   STATES.  359 

under  Beall,  with'the  heavy  artillery,  under  comtrodore  Barney, 
posted  on  an  eminence  near  the  road.  Tins  line  had  scarcely 
been  formed,  \vhen  the  engagement  commenced,  and  the  presi 
dent  r.nd  heads  of  departments,  who  had  until  now  been  pre 
sent,  withdrew;  the  president  conceiving  it  proper  to  leave  the 
direction  of  the  combat  to  the  military  mer. 

At  twelve  o'clock  the  enemy's  column  made  its  appearance 
on  the  hill  which  overhangs  the  stream,  and  moved  down  to 
wards  the  bridge,  throwing  rockets,  and  apparently  determined 
to  force  the  passage.  He  now  made  an  attempt  to  throw  a 
strong  body  of  infantry  across  the  stream,  but  a  few  well  direct 
ed  shot  from  the  artillery  cleared  the  bridge,  and  compelled  the 
enemy  precipitately  to  shelter  himself  behind  some  houses  near 
it,  and  apparently  having  suffered  considerably.  The  firo  was 
briskly  kept  up,  and  after  a  considerable  panse,  a  large  cokimn 
rapidly  advanced  in  the  face  of  the  battery,  which,  although 
managed  with  great  spirit  by  officers  of  acknowledged  skill  and 
courage,  was  unable  to  repress  them;  they  still  continued  to 
push  forward  their  column,  which  was  constantly  reinforced, 
until  they  were  able  to  form  a  considerable  body  on  the  Wash 
ington  road.  The  enemy  had  not  advanced  far,  when  a  part  of 
the  rifle  corps  discharged  their  pieces  and  fied,  in  spite  of  the 
efforts  of  their  commander  and  major  Pinkney,  to  rally  them. 
The  remainder  began  their  fire  too  soon,  but  with  some  execu 
tion.  The  British  were  every  moment  drawing  nearer  the  ar 
tillery,  which  could  no  longer  be  brought  to  bear  upon  them  : 
and  besides,  there  were  no  troops  sufficiently  near  to  afford  a 
support;  it  then  became  unavoidably  necessary  for  it  to  retire, 
and  was  followed  by  major  Pinkney's  riflemen.  One  piece  of 
artillery  was  spiked  and  left  behind.  The  whole  foil  back  upon 
the  fifth  regiment,  the  nearest  rallying  point.  A  volunteer  com 
pany  of  artillery  now  opened  a  cross  fire  upon  the  enemy,  who 
were  advancing  through  the  orchard,  but  with  not  much  effect; 
but,  from. the  shelter  of  the  trees,  they  were  enabled  to  open  a 
galling  fire  upon  the  fifth  regiment.  Colonel  Sierett  was  order 
ed  to  advance,  which  he  did  promptly,  until  again  halted  in  con 
sequence  of  the  other  two  regiments  of  Sf.ansbury's  brigade,  ha 
ving  been  thrown  into  confusion  by  rockets,  and  having  begun 
to  give  way.  In  a  few  moments  they  took  to  flight,  in  despite 
of  the  exertions  of  general  Winder,  of  general  Stansbury*  and 
other  officers,  to  rally  them.  Sterett's  regiment,  BurcVs  ar 
tillery,  and  major  Pinkney's  riflemen,  still  maintained  their 
ground  with  great  firmness,  and  evinced  a  disposition  to  make  a 
gallant  resistance;  but  the  enemy  having  by  this  time  outflank 
ed  them,  they  were  ordered  to  retire;  this  was  unfortunately 
effected  in  confusion  and  disorder,  the  unavoidable  consequence 
with  militia  in  its  retreat.  Thus  tbe  first  line  was  com- 


360  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

pletely  routed.  The  Baltimore  artillery  had  before  this  taken  a 
psoition  higher  up  on  the  hill.  On  the  right,  colonels  Beall  and 
Hood,  commanding  the  Annapolis  militia,  had  thrown  forward 
a  email  detachment  under  colonel  Kramar,  which,  after  main 
taining-  its  ground  some  time  with  considerable  injury  to  the 
enemy,  retired  upon  the  main  body.  Soon  after  the  retreat  of 
this  detachment,  the  enemy's  column,  marching  along  the  turn 
pike  road,  was  suddenly  exposed  to  the  fire  of  commodore 
Barney,  who  opened  an  eighteen  pounder  upon  them,  and  in 
stantly  cleared  the  road  ;  in  several  attempts  to  rally,  they  were 
again  repulsed  with  great  loss.  In  consequence  of  this,  they 
attempted  to  flank  the  American  line  to  the  right,  by  passing- 
through  an  open  field;  but  this  was  frustrated  by  captain  Mil 
ler,  with  three  twelves  and  his  marines.  The  enemy  continu 
ing  flanking  to  the  right,  and  pressed  upon  the  militia  -of  An 
napolis,  who  fled,  after  giving  an  ineffectual  fire.  The  com 
mand  of  commodore  Barney  was  left  to  maintain  the  contest 
alone;  but  the  enemy  no  longer  appeared  in  front;  he  continued 
to  outflank,  pushing  forward  a  few  scattering  sharp-shooters  by 
which  the  commodore  was  wounded,  and  his  horse  killed  under 
him,  while  several  of  his  officers  and  men  fell  near  him.  His 
corps  was  by  this  time  outflanked  on  both  sides,  and  in  the 
confusion,  the  ammunition  waggons  were  driven  off.  His  men 
therefore,  were  ordered  to  retreat,  the  commodore  himself  was 
taken  prisoner,  and  his  pieces  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy. 

Under  all  these  disheartening  circumstances,  the  militia  of 
the  District,  and  the  regulars  continued  firm,  and  general  Win 
der  still  entertained  hopes  of  rallying  his  troops,  and  meeting 
the  enemy  on  the  road  to  Washington.  But  he  was  disap 
pointed,  for  the  troops  had  scattered  in  all  directions,  and  the 
greater  part  fled  towards  Montgomery  court  house. 

After  consultation  with  the  secretaries  of  war  and  state,  it 
was  determined  to  abandon  the  city,  and  to  make  a  stand  on 
the  heights  of  Georgetown,  but  the  general  soon  found,  that 
but  few  of  the  militia  could  be  collected ;  the  greater  part  had 
strayed  off  in  search  of  food  or  refreshment,  after  having  suf 
fered  much  during  the  day;  and  others  were  almost  exhausted, 
after  the  privations  and  fatigues  which  they  had  experienced. 
The  next  day  he  proceeded,  with  such  as  he  could  collect,  to 
Montgomery. 

The  loss  of  the  British,  in  this  expedition,  was  little  short  of 
a  thousand  men,  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing;  that  of  the 
Americans,  ten  or  twelve  killed,  and  thirty  or  forty  wounded. 
General  Ross,  after  halting  his  army  for  a  short  time  for  re 
freshments,  pushed  on  to  Washington,  where  he  arrived  that 
evening  about  eight  o'clock;  and  having  stationed  his  main 
body  about  a  mile  and  a  half  from  the  capital,  he  entered  the 
deserted  city,  at  the  head  ot'  about  seven  hundred  men. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  361 

We  have  now  to  record  the  climax  of  that  vandal  barbarity, 
exhibited  by  Great  Britain  during  this  war.  The  American 
metropolis,  or  more  properly  its  site,  was  entered  by  them  with 
out  opposition;  they  found  about  nine  hundred  houses,  scatter 
ed  in  groups  over  a  surface  of  three  miles,  and  two  splendid 
buildings,  probably  the  finest  specimens  of  architecture  in  the 
new  world;  the  capitol,  though  still  unfinished,  presented  a 
noble  structure;  and  the  president's  house,  in  point  of  taste  ri 
valling  any  building  in  Europe.  By  the  admirer  of  the  arts  of 
every  country,  these  splendid  edifices  could  not  be  contempla 
ted  without  p'easure,  nor  their  destruction  without  the  most 
indignant  feelings;. 

Admiral  Cockbnrn,  already  so  unfavorably  known  in  the 
United  States  for  the  species  of  devastating  and  plundering 
hostility  which  he  had  directed,  now,  conjointly  with  general 
Ross,  who,  on  this  occasion,  withered  every  laurel  he  had 
gained  in  honourable  war,  issued  orders  for  the  conflagration 
of  these  noble  edifices,  with  the  valuable  libraries  of  the  capiJol, 
and  all  the  furniture  and  articles  of  taste  or  value,  which  they 
contained.  The  great  bridge  across  the  Potomac  was  also 
wantonly  burnt,  together  with  an  elegant  hotel,  and  several 
other  private  dwellings.  This  base  and  savage  destruction  io 
detailed  in  the  official  letter  of  the  British  general,  as  a  matter 
of  perfect  indifference.  The  blaze  produced  by  the  conflagra 
tion,  was  seen  eren  in  Baltimore,  giving  a  terrible  warning  to 
its  inhabitants.  All  that  was  combustible  about  the  cupitol 
and  the  president's  house,  was  reduced  to  ashes;  and  the  walls 
of  these  stately  buildings,  blackened  and  broken  in  mr-joncho- 
ly  ruin,  remained  for  a  time,  the  monuments  of  British  barbari 
ty.  The  American,  who  saw  them  long  after,  could  s^rci.jy 
refrain  from  swearing  in  his  heart  eternal  hatred  to  Britain. 
"  I  have  seen  the  walls  of  Balclutha.  but  they  were  desolate: 
the  fire  had  resounded  in  their  halls."* 

The  squadron  under  captain  Gordon,  consisting  of  eight  sail, 
passed  fort  Warburton  two  days  after  the  retreat  of  the  British. 
The  fort  had  been  abandoned  and  blown  up  by  captain  Dyson, 
in  a  most  extraordinary  manner;  probably  under  the  influence 
of  the  dreadful  panic  which  generally  prevailed.  His  orders 
had  been  to  abandon  it  only  in  case  of  an  attack  by  the  land 
forces;  but  on  a  mere  rumour,  and  without  waiting  the  ene 
my's  approach,  he  thought  proper  to  take  this  measure. 

*  On  pp.  299,300,  the  reader  will  perceive  a  very  brief  account  of 
the  capture  of  Washington,  which  slipped  in  rather  unmanly.     It 
•was  thought  of  too  much  consequence  to  pass  with  io  slight  a  notice, 
and  is  now  given  more  in  detail. 
31 


362  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

On  the  twenty  ninth,  the  squadron  reached  Alexandria;  and 
the  inhabitants  of  that  place  being  completely  in  the  power  of 
the  captain,  were  compelled  to  offer  terms  for  the  preservation 
of  the  town  from  conflagration  arid  pillage-  The  insatiable  nv- 
arice  of  the  enemy  imposed  the  hardest  conditions :  all  the  mer 
chandise,  of  every  description,  whether  in  town,  or  ren  ovod 
since  the  nineteenth,  was  required  to  be  put  on  board  the  ship 
ping,  then  at  the  wharf,  at  the  expense  of  the  inhabitants,  and 
the  whole  delivered  to  the  enemy  ;  that,  ev>n  such  vessels  as 
had  been  sunk,  should  be  delivered  up.  These  terms,  some 
what  modified,  were  complied  with,  and  the  captain  descended 
with  a  fleet  of  prize  vessels,  and  a  rich  booty. 

In  the  meantime,  preparations  had  besn  made  in  haste,  by 
our  naval  heroes,  captains  Porter  and  Perry,  to  throw  difficuf- 
ties  in  the  way  of  his  descent.  The  first,  at  the  battery  of  the 
White  House,  was  assisted  by  general  Hungf  rfbrdV  brigade  of 
Virginia  militia,  and  captain  Humphrey's  rifle  company ;  and  at 
the  battery  at  Indian  Head,  captain  Perry  was  supported  by 
the  brigade  of  general  Stewart,  and  the  volunteer  companies 
of  major  Peter  and  captain  Burch.  From  the  third,  until  the 
sixth  of  September,  the  British  vessels  were  generally  annoyed 
in  passing  these  batteries.  Frequent  attempts  were  also  made 
by  commodore  Rodgers,  by  approaching  the  fleet  with  fire  ves 
sels  ;  but  owing  to  a  change  of  wind,  they  proved  ineffectual. 
These  respective  ftrces  were  afterwards  crncertrated  under 
commodore  Rodgers,  at  Alexandria.  He  determined  to  defend 
the  place,  should  the  enemy,  who  was  not  jet  out  of  sight  of 
the  battery,  think  proper  to  return. 

Sir  Peter  Parker,  who  ascended  the  Chesapeake,  was  not  so 
fortunate  as  the  other  officers.  He  landed  at  night,  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  Moor's  Fields,  wiih  the  view  of  surprising  a 

farty  of  militia,  encamped  under  the  command  of  colonel  Reed, 
n  this  he  was  disappointed,  for  the  militia,  having  hoard  the 
approach  of  the  barges,  were  prepared  to  receive  him.  Sir 
Peter  Parker  having  landed,  moved  forward  at  the  head  of 
about  two  hundred  and  fifty  men  ;  but  on  approaching  within 
»eventy  yards  of  the  Americans,  they  received  a  heavy  fire ;  he 
endeavoured  to  press  forward  on  the  centre  of  the  line  ;  in  this 
he  was  foiled,  and  threw  himself  on  the  flank,  where  he  was 
also  repulsed.  Colonel  Reed  being  informed,  that  the  cart 
ridges  were  nearly  expended,  ordered  his  men  to  retire  a  small 
distance,  until  they  could  be  supplied.  In  the  meantime,  the 
British,  having  suffered  a  severe  loss,  thought  proper  to  retire, 
carrying  with  them  the  wounded,  among  whom  was  sir  Peter 
Parker,  who  died  soon  after. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  363 

The  capture  of  Washington  was,  at  first,  boasted  of  by  the 
British  ministry,  as  a  most  signal  exploit;  but  it  was  viewed  in 
a  very  different  light  on  the  continent. 

To'say  nothing  of  the  prosecuting  hostilities  with  augmented 
rigour,  at  a  moment  when  there  was  a  negotiation  for  peace, 
the  wanton  acts  of  barbarity  roused  the  indignation  of  all  the 
powers  of  Europe:  and  in  the  British  parliament,  so  great  a 
sensation  was  excited,  as  to  cause  its  perpetrators  to  shelter 
themselves  from  public  odium,  by  the  basest  falsehoods;  the 
ministry  were  compelled  to  make  a  statement,  that  instructions 
had  been  sent  to  the  coas«-  of  America,  to  desist  from  further 
inflictions  of  vengeance. 

But  if  the  effect  was  powerful  abroad,  it  was  unexampled 
throughout  the  United  States.  Party  spirit,  that  political  fiend, 
instantly  fled,  and  with  it  fled  the  dissensions  which  almost 
paralyzed  the  efforts  of  the  nation.  But  one  voice  was  heard 
from  one  end  of  the  continent  to  the  otiier;  a  glorious  union 
was  brought  about,  and  a  nation  of  freemen  was  seen  to  rise 
in  its  strength.  Those  who  had  at  first  opposed  the  war,  from 
an  opinion  of  its  impolicy,  or  who  condemned  the  invasion  of 
Canada,  now  saw  only  a  powerful  nation  about  to  precipitate 
her  armies  on  America,  with  the  avowed  intention  of  desolating 
our  fair  possessions. 

The  poison  of  political  dissensions  was  dead  with  the  politi 
cal  death  of  Napoleon  ;  and  who  could  now  say  that  Britain  was 
not  actuated  by  the  mere  thirst  for  revenge,  or  the  less  honor 
able  thirst  for  plunder  ?  The  war  now  came  home  to  the  in 
terests  and  feelings  of  every  man,  and  the  scenes  of  preparations 
which  were  exhibited  over  the  continent,  were  the  most  ani 
mated  that  could  be  conceived.  The  whole  country  was  in 
motion  ;  every  town  was  a  camp;  and  in  the  cities,  the  peace 
ful  avocations  of  the  citizens,  which  the  war  until  now  had 
scarcely  interrupted,  were  laid  aside.  All  the  principal  cities 
selected  their  committees  of  defence,  and  the  whole  of  the  pop 
ulation  moved  in  bauds,  to  tiie  sound  of  martial  music,  to  the 
daily  occupation  of  labouring  ou  the  entrenchments  and  fortifi 
cations. 

The  New  England  states,  at  first  so  much  averse  to  the  war, 
now  exhibited  their  characteristic  activity  and  energy,  and  gave 
at  once  a  satisfactory  proof  that  nothing  was  further  from  their 
intentions,  than  seceding  from' the  confederation.  The  gover 
nor  of  Vermont,  who  hnd  the  year  before  made  an  attempt  to 
recall  the  militia  of  the  state  from  the  service  of  the  United 
States,  and  on  which  occasion  the  militia  noblv  refused  to  obey 
him,  now  endeavoured  to  atone  for  his  conduct,  by  calling  them 
forth  in  the  most  animated  manner,  to  join  the  standard  of 
their  country. 


364  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

The  American  ladies,  always  conspicuous  in  the  history  of 
America,  for  their  patriotic  conduct  in  times  of  difficulty  and 
danger,  never  appeared  so  lovely  in  their  zeal  for  their  country. 

The  first  object  of  attack,  it  was  rightly  conjectured,  would 
be  Baltimore.  The  cities  of  Philadelphia  and  New  York  wait 
ed  the  result  with  as  much  anxiety,  as  if  their  fate  depended 
upon  its  successful  issue;  in  this  they  perhaps  had  reason  ;  for 
should  Baltimore  fall,  during  the  panic  which  succeeded  the 
capture  of  Washington,  and  before  the  other  cities  would  have 
time  to  place  themselves  in  an  attitude  of  defence,  they  could 
make  but  a  feeble  resistance* 

After  the  first  moment  of  despondency,  occasioned  by  the 
capture  of  Washington  had  subsided  in  Baltimore,  and  it  was 
discovered  that  the  place  would  not  be  assailed  immediately, 
the  inhabitants  set  about  making  preparations  for  defence. 
Under  the  direction  of  general  Smith,  a  ditch  was  opened,  and 
a  breastwork  thrown  up  by  the  inhabitants,  on  the  high  ground 
to  the  north-east,  ^to  effect  which  every  class  of  people  united,) 
so  as  completely  to  protect  the  towi;  in  the  only  quarter  in 
which  it  was  accessible  by  land  forces. 

In  a  few  days,  a  considerable  number  of  militia  arrived  from 
Pennsylvania  and  Virginia  ;  and  the  spirits  of  the  inhabitants 
were  greatly  animated  by  the  arrival  of  the  naval  veteran,  com 
modore  Rodgers,  with  his  marines,  who  took  possession  of  the 
heavy  batteries  on  the  hill. 

A  brigade  of  Virginia  volunteers,  together  with  the  regulars, 
was  assigned  to  general  Winder,  and  the  city  brigade  to  gene 
ral  Strieker  ;  the  whole  under  the  command  of  major  general 
Smith;  the  two  latter,  distinguished  revolutionary  officers. 
General  Strieker  had  served  from  the  commencement  to  the 
conclusion  of  that  war,  and  siiared  in  many  important  battles. 
The  approach  to  the  city  by  water,  was  defended  by  fort 
M'Henry,  commanded  by  major  Armistead,  with  about  sixty 
artillerists,  under  captain  Evans,  and  two  companies  of  sea 
fencibles,  under  captains  Bunbury  and  Addison;  of  these,  thir 
ty-five  were  on  the  sick  list.  As  this  number  was  insufficient 
to  man  the  batteries,  major  Arinistead  was  furnished  with  two 
companies  of  volunteer  artillery,  under  captain  Berry  and  lieu 
tenant  Penaington,  and  a  company  under  judge  Nicholson, 
(chief  justice  of  Baltimore  county,)  which  had  tendered  its  ser 
vices.  Besides  these,  there  was  a  detachment  of  commodore 
Barney's  flotilla,  under  lieutenant  colonel  Stewart  and  major 
Lane,  consisting  of  detachments  from  tiie  twelfth,  fourteenth, 
and  thirty-sixth  regiments  of  the  United  States  troops,  which 
were  encamped  under  the  walls  of  the  fort.  The  total  amount 
ed  to  about  one  thousand  men. 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  365 

Two  batteries  on  the  right  of  fort  M'Henrjr,  upon  the  Patap- 
sco,  to  prevent  (lie  enemy  from  landing  during  the  night,  in  the 
rear  of  the  town  were  manned,  the  one  by  lieutenant  Newcomb, 
with  a  detachment  of  sailors;  the  other,  by  lieutenant  Webster, 
of  the  flotilla  ;  the  former  was  called  fort  Covington,  the  latter, 
the  City  Battery. 

It  was  equally  important  to  the  safety  of  the  city,  that  in  the 
event  of  an  attack  by  land  and  naval  forces,  both  should  be  re 
pelled  ;  for  in  case  fort  M'Henry  was  silenced  by  the  shipping-, 
there  would  be  nothing  to  prevent  the  destruction  of  the  town; 
and  if  the  land  forces  of  the  enemy  were  successful,  the  fort 
could  no  longer  be  of  any  avail,  and  would  even  be  untenable. 
To  the  defence  of  fort  M'tlenry,  and  to  the  repulse  of  the  Bri 
tish  from  the  lines,  the  inhabitants  looked  for  safety.  Indepen 
dently  of  the  devastating  orders  of  Cocbrane,  and  the  recent 
scenes  at  Washington  and  Alexandria,  tin's  city  was  a  selected 
object  of  (he  vengeance  of  the  enemy,  in  consequence  of  her 
active  and  patriotic  exertions  during  the  war.  No  one  can 
imagine  to  himself  a  just  picture  of  the  state  of  anxious  feeling, 
among  fifty  thousand  people  of  all  ages  and  sexes,  for  the  ap 
proaching  crisis,  which  would  determine  the  safety  or  destruc 
tion  of  their  city. 

And  even  in  case  of  successful  resistance,  the  most  painful 
incertitude  hung  uver  the  fate  of  those  who  were  to  risk  their 
lives  in  its  defence;  not  strangers  or  mercenaries,  but  their 
bosom  friends,  their  brothers,  their  sons  and  husbands  :  every 
one,  even  old  men  and  boys,  who  could  wield  a  musket,  were 
found  in  the  ranks. 

The  committee  of  safety,  composed  of  those  advanced  in  life, 
and  the  most  influential  citizens,  (among  whom  was  the  respec 
table  colonel  Howard,  a  hero  of  the  revolution  ,  took  a  large 
share  in  the  preparations  to  meet  the  approaching  danger. 

The  British  army  having  re-embarked  on  board  the  fleet  in 
the  Patuxent,  admiral  Cochrane  moved  down  the  river,  and 
proceeded  up  the  Chesapeake;  and  on  the  morning  of  the 
eleventh  of  September,  appeared  at  the  mouth  of  the  Patapsco, 
about  fourteen  miles  from  the  city  of  Baltimore,  with  a  fleet  of 
ships  of  war  and  transports,  amounting  to  fifty  sail. 

On  the  next  day  the  land  forces,  to  the  number  of  at  least 
six  thousand  men,  the  veterans  of  Wellington,  debarked  at 
North  Point,  and  under  the  command  of  general  Ross,  took  up 
their  march  for  the  city. 

General  Strieker  claimed  for  the  city  brigade,  under  his  com 
mand,  the  honor  of  being  the  first  to  meet  ihe  invader,  and  vras 
accordingly  detached  by  general 'Smith,  in  anticipation  of  the 
landing  of  the  British  troops. 

On  the  eleventh,  general  Strieker  proceeded  on  the  road  to 


366  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

North  Point,  at  the  head  of  three  thousand  two  hundred  effec 
tive  men;  consisting- of  the  fifth  regiment,  under  lieutenant 
colonel  Sterett,  five  hundred  and  fifty  strong  ;  six  hundred  and 
twenty  of  the  sixth,  under  lieutenant  colonel  M'Donald;  five 
hundred  of  the  twenty-seventh,  under  lieutenant  colonel  Long  ; 
five  hundred  and  fifi.y  of  the  thirty-ninth,  under  lieutenant  colo 
nel  Fowler;  seven  hundred  of  the  fifty-first,  under  lieutenant 
colonel  Amey  ;  one  hundred  and  fifty  riflemen,  under  captain 
Dyer  ;  one  hundred  and  fifty  cavalry,  under  lieutenant  colonel 
Biays ;  and  the  Union  Artillery,  of  seventy-five  men,  and  six 
four  pounders,  under  captain  Montgomery  (attorney  general  of 
the  state).  A  light  corps  of  riflemen  and  musketry,  under  ma 
jor  Randal,  taken  from  general  Stansbury's  brigade,  and  the 
Pennsylvania  volunteers,  were  detached  to  the  mouth  of  Bear 
creek,  with  orders  to  co-operate  with  general  Strieker,  and  to 
check  any  landing  which  the  enemy  might  effect  in  that  quar 
ter. 

At  six  o'clock,  P.  M.  general  Strieker  readied  the  meeting 
house,  near  the  head  of  Bear  Creek,  seven  miles  from  the  city, 
Here  the  brigade  halted,  with  the  exception  of  the  cavalry, 
who  were  pushed  forward  to  Gorsuch's  farm,  three  miles  ia 
advance,  and  the  riflemen,  who  took  post  near  the  blacksmith'* 
shop,  two  miles  in  advance  of  the  encampment. 

The  next  morning  (the  twelfth)  at  seven  o'clock,  information 
was  received  from  the  videttes,  that  the  enemy  were  debarking 
troops  undercover  of  their  gun  vessels,  which  lay  off  the  bluff 
at  North  Point,  within  the  mouth  of  the  Patapsco  river.  The 
baggage  was  immediately  ordered  back  under  a  strong  guard, 
and  general  Strieker  moved  forward  the  fifth  and  twenty-seventh 
regiments,  and  the  artillery,  to  the  head  of  Long  Log  lane, 
resting  the  fifth  with  its  right  on  the  head  of  a  branch  of  Bear 
creek,  its  left  on  the  main  road,  while  the  twenty-seventh  was 
posted  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  road,  in  a  line  with  the  fifth. 
The  artillery  was  posted  at  the  head  of  the  hine,  in  the  interval 
between  these  two  regiments.  The  thirty-ninth  was  drawn  up 
three  hundred  yards  in  the  rear  of  the  twenty-seventh,  and  the 
fifty-first  the  same  distance  in  the  rear  of  the  filth  :  the  sixth 
regiment  was  drawn  up  as  a  reserve,  within  sight,  half  a  mile 
in  the  rear  of  the  second  line. 

Thus  judiciously  posted,  the  general  determined  to  wait  an 
attack,  having  given  orders,  that  the  two  regiments  composing 
the  front  line,  should  receive  the  enemy,  and  if  necessary,  fall 
back  through  the  fifty- first  and  thirty-ninth,  and  form  on  the 
right  of  the  sixth,  posted  in  reserve. 

The  general  now  learned,  that  the  British  were  moving  ra 
pidly  up  the  main  road,  and  at  the  moment  when  he  expected 
tbeir  approach  to  be  announced  by  the  riflemen,  stationed  ia 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  367 

the  low  thick  pine  and  firs,  in  advance,  greatly  to  his  chagrin, 
he  discovered  this  corps  falling  back  upon  the  main  position, 
having  listened  to  a  groundless  rumour,  that  the  enemy  were 
landing  on  Back  river,  to  cut  them  off.  This  part  of  the  gene 
ral's  plan  having  been  frustrated,  he  placed  the  riflemen  on  the 
right  of  his  front  line,  by  this  means  better  securing  that  flank. 
The  videttessoon  after  bringing  information  that  a  party  of  the 
enemy  were  in  a  careless  manner  carousing  at  Gorsuch's  farm, 
several  of  the  officers  offered  their  services  to  dislodge  him. 
Captains  Levering's  and  Howard's  companies,  from  the  fifth, 
about  one  hundred  and  fifty  in  number,  under  major  Heath,  of 
that  regiment;  captain  Aisquith's,  and  a  few  other  riflemen,  in  all 
tibout  seventy  ;  a  smill  piece  of  artillery,  under  lieutenant 
Stiles,  and  the  cavalry,  were  pushed  forward,  to  chastise  the 
insolence  of  the  enemy's  advance,  and  to  evince  a  wish,  on  the 
part  of  the  American  army,  to  engage. 

The  detachment  had  scarcely  proceeded  half  a  mile,  when 
they  came  in  contact  with  the  main  body  of  the  enemy;  a 
sharp  skirmish  ensued,  in  which  major  Heath's  horse  was  shot 
under  him,  and  several  of  the  Americans  killed  and  wounded, 
but  not  unrevenged,  for  in  this  affair  the  enemy  lost  their  com 
mander  in  chief,  general  Ross. 

This  officer  had  imprudently  proceeded  too  far,  for  the  pur 
pose  of  reconnoitering-,  when  he  was  killed  by  one  of  the  com 
pany  of  captain  Howard,  who  was  in  the  advance. 

After  the  death  of  Rosa,  the  command  devolved  on  colonel 
Brook,  who  continued  to  push  forward,  notwithstanding  this 
occurrence.  The  American  detachment,  fell  back,  and  th'i 
general  conceiving  the  two  companies  of  Howard  and  Levering 
to  be  too  much  fatigued  to  share  in  the  approaching  conflict, 
they  were  ordered  to  form  on  the  reserve,  not  without  a  request 
on  their  part,  to  be  permitted  to  share  in  the  perils  of  their 
townsmen. 

At  half  past  two  o'clock,  the  enemy  commenced  throwing 
rockets,  which  did  no  injury,  and  immediately  captain  Mont 
gomery's  artillery  opened  their  fire  upon  them,  which  was  re 
turned  by  a  six  pounder  and  howitzer  upon  the  left  and  cen 
tre.  The  fire  was  brisk  for  some  minutes,  when  the  general 
ordered  it  to  cease  on  his  side,  wifch  a  view  of  bringing  the  en 
emy  into  close  cannister  distance. 

"  Perceiving  that  the  efforts  of  the  British  were  chiefly  direct 
ed  against  the  left  flaflk,  the  general  brought  up  the  thirty-ninth 
into  line  on  the  left  of  the  twenty-seventh,  and  detached  two 
pieces  of  artillery  on  the  left  of  the  thirty-ninth  ;  and  still  more 
completely  to  protect  this  flank,  which  was  all  important,  colo 
nel  Amey,  of  the  fifty-first,  was  ordered  to  form  his  regiment 
at  right  angles  with  the  line,  resting  his  right  on  the  left  of  the 


363  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

thirty-ninth.  This  movement  was  badly  executed,  and  created 
some  confusion  in  that  quarter,  but  was  soon  rectified  with  the 
assistance  of  the  general's  aids  and  major  Stevenson,  and  the 
brigade  majors,  Calhoun  and  Frailey. 

The  enemy's  right  column  now  displayed,  and  advanced  upon 
the  tsventy-eeventh  and  thirty-ninth.  Unfortunately,  at  this 
juncture,  the  fifty -first,  from  some  sudden  panic,  after  giving  a 
random  fire,  broke  and  retreated  in  such  confusion  as  rendered 
it  impossible  to  rally  it,  and  occasioned  the  same  disorder  in  the 
second  battalion  of  the  thirty-ninth. 

The  fire  by  this  time  became  general,  from  right  to  left;  the 
artillery  poured  an  incessant  and  destructive  stream  upon  the 
enemy's  left  column,  which  endeavoured  to  shelter  itself  behind 
a  log  house,  but  this  was  instantly  iu  a  blaze  ;  captain  Sadtler 
having  taken  the  precaution  to  fire  it,  as  soon  as  it  was  aban 
doned  by  him  and  his  yagers. 

About  ten  minutes  past  three,  the  British  line  came  on  with 
a  rapid  discharge  of  musketry,  which  was  well  returned  by  the 
fifth,  the  twenty-seventh,  and  the  first  battalion  of  the  thirty- 
ninth,  who  maintained  their  ground  in  spite  of  the  example  set 
by  the  intended  support  on  the  left. 

The  whole  of  the  general's  force  with  this  diminution,  scarce 
ly  amounted  to  fourteen  hundred,  to  which  was  opposed  the 
whole  of  the  enemy.  The  fire  was  incessant,  until  about 
twenty-five  minutes  before  four  o'clock,  during1  which  time 
general  Strieker  gallantly  contended  against  four  times  his 
numbers  ;  but  finding  that  the  unequal  contest  could  be  main 
tained  no  longer, and  that  the  enemy  was  about  to  outflank  him, 
in  consequence  of  the  flight  of  the  fifty-first,  he  was  compelled 
to  retire  upon  his  reserve,  which  he  effected  in  good  order. 
Here  he  formed  his  brigade,  but  the  enemy  not  thinking  it  ad 
visable  to  pursue,  he  fell  back,  and  t.ook  post  on  the  left  of  the 
line,  half  a  mile  in  advance  of  the  entrenchments,  where  he 
was  joined  by  general  Winder,  who  had  been  stationed  on  the 
west  side  of  the  city,  but  was  now  ordered,  with  the  Virginia 
brigade,  and  captain  Bird's  United  States  dragoons,  to  take  post 
on  the  left  of  general  Strieker. 

The  conduct  of  the  Baltimore  brigade,  with  the  exception  of 
the  fifty-first,  and  the  second  battalion  of  the  thirty-ninth,  who 
were  seized  with  the  panic  to  which  raw  troops  are  so  much 
subject,  deserved  the  highest  praise.  Veterans  could  not  have 
done  more.  Their  loss,  in  killed  and  wounded,  amounted  to 
one  hundred  and  sixty-three  (amongst  whom  were  some  of  the 
most  respectable  citizens  of  Baltimore),  about  an  eighth  of  the 
force  engaged.  Adjutant  James  Lowry  Donaldson,  of  the 
twenty-seventh  (an  eminent  lawyer),  was  killed  in  the  hottest 
of  the  fight.  Major  Heath  and  major  Muoru,  and  a  number  of 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  369 

other  officers,  were  wounded.  The  loss  of  the  British  was 
nearly  double  that  of  the  Americans,  according  to  their  own 
acknowledgment,  arid  probably  mucii  greater.  This  unexpect 
ed  resistance  had  a  happy  effect  upon  the  enemy  ;  in  their  offi 
cial  statements,  they  computed  the  American  force  at  six  thou 
sand,  a  great  proportion  of  regnlars,  and  estimated  our  loss  at 
one  thousand,  from  which  we  may  infer  their  opinion  of  the 
manner  in  which  they  were  received. 

In  the  mean  time  the  naval  attack  had  already  commenced 
from  five  bomb  vessels,  At  the  distance  of  two  miles;  when  find 
ing  themselves  sufficiently  near,  they  anchored,  and  kept  up  au 
incessant  bombardment,  while  they  were  at  such  a  distance  as 
to  be  out  of  the  reach  of  the  guns  of  the  fort.  The  situa 
tion,  although  painfully  inactive,  was  highly  perilous;  yet  eve 
ry  man  stood  lo  his  pjst  without  shrinking.  One  of  the  twen 
ty-four  pouuders,  on  the  south-west  bastion,  under  captain  Ni 
cholson,  was  dismounted,  and  killed  his  second  lieutenant  and 
wounded  several  of  his  men.  The  enemy  now  approached 
somewhat  nearer,  so  as  to  be  within  striking  distance.  A  tre 
mendous  fire  was  instantly  opened  from  the  fort,  which  com 
pelled  him  precipitately  to  gain  his  former  position.  The  bom 
bardment  was  kept  up  during  the  whole  day  and  night.  The 
city,  thus  assailed  on  bath  sides,  awaited  the  result  with  death 
like  silence,  and  yet  no  eye  was  closed  in  sleep.  Suddenly, 
about  midnight,  a  tremendous  cannonade  was  heard  in  the  di 
rection  of  the  fort,  and  the  affrighted  population  believed  that 
all  was  over.  Their  fears  were  soon  quieted,  by  the  informa 
tion  that  some  barges  of  the  enemy,  the  number  not  known, 
had  attempted  to  land,  but  were  compelled  to  draw  off  with  all 
possible  haste,  after  great  slaughter,  by  lieutenants  Newcomb 
and  Webster,  who  commanded  the  city  battery  and  fort  Cov- 
ington.  By  the  next  morning  the  bombardment  ceased,  after 
upwards  of  fifteen  hundred  shells  had  been  thrown;  a  large 
portion  of  which  burst  over  the  fort,  and  scattered  their  frag 
ments  amongst  its  defenders  ;  a  great  number  fell  within  the 
works,  and  materially  injured  two  of  the  public  buildings,  and 
two  slightly. 

The  enemy,  not  willing  to  abide  such  rough  handling,  re 
treated  under  cover  of  a  dark  and  stormy  night,  and  in  the 
morning  general  Winder  was  detached  in  pursuit,  but  the  time 
which  had  elapsed  was  sufficient  for  embarkation,  and  (he  rear 
could  not  be  cut  off.  The  next  day  the  fle-it  descended  the 
bay,  to  the  great  joy  of  the  inhabitants  of  Baltimore. 

We  shall  now  return  with  our  rea'ders  to  the  operations  on 
the  northern  frontier.  About  the  first  of  September,  sir  George 
Prevost  led  his  army  to  Plattsburgh,  while  the  fleet  proceeded 
up  the  lake  on  his  left,  to  make  a  simultaneous  attack  by  land 
and  water.  Before  this,  little  of  consequence  had  transpired 
in  this  quarter. 


370  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

The  peace  in  Europe  permitted  the  English  government  to 
transpoit  large  bodies  of  troops,  and  they  had  already  sent  on 
a  considerable  army  to  Canada.  Fourteen  thousand  of  these 
were  organized  under  sir  George,  and  (he  remainder  were  sent 
to  oppose  general  Brown  on  the  Niagara. 

To  oppose  this  overwhelming  force,  general  Macomb  had 
but  fifteen  hundred  regulars,  including  new  recruits  and  inva 
lids.  The  works  were  in  no  state  of  defence,  and  the  stores 
and  ordnance  were  in  great  disorder.  The  British  force  took 
possession  of  Cham  plain  on  the  third  of  September,  and  from 
the  proclamations  and  impressments  of  wagons  and  teams  in 
this  vicinity,  it  was  soon  discovered  that  their  object  was  an 
attack  on  Plattsburgh.  Not  a  minute  was  to  be  lost  in  placing 
the  works  in  a  state  of  defence;  and  in  order  to  create  aa 
emulation  and  zeal  among  the  officers  and  men,  they  were  di 
vided  into  detachments,  and  stationed  in  the  several  forts;  the 
general  declaring  in  orders  that  each  detachment  was  the  garri 
son  of  its  own  work,  and  bound  to  defend  it  to  the  last  extremi 
ty.  At  the  same  time  he  called  on  general  Mooers,  of  the  New 
York  militia,  and  arranged  with  him  plans  for  calling  out  the 
rnilitia  en  rnasse.  The  inhabitants  of  Plattsburgh  fled  with 
their  families  and  effects,  excepting  a  few  men  and  some  boys 
who  formed  themselves  into  a  company,  received  rifles,  and 
were  exceedingly  useful. 

In  this  extremity  general  Mooers  collected  about  seven  hua 
dred  militia,  and  small  detachments  were  posted  so  as  to  watch 
and  harass  the  enemy.  Trees  were  felled,  and  every  impedi 
ment  put  in  the  way  of  their  march,  and  some  skirmishes  ensu 
ed.  At  day  light  on  the  sixth,  it  was  ascertained  that  the  ene 
my  were  advancing  in  two  columns  by  each  of  these  roads,  di 
viding  at  Sampson's  a  little  below  Chazy  village.  The  column 
on  the  Beckman  road  approached  rapidly  ;  the  militia  skirmish 
ed  a  little  with  its  advanced  parties,  but  which,  with  the  excep 
tion  of  a  few  brave  men,  soon  broke,  and  tied  in  the  greatest 
disorder.  A  detachment  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  men,  under 
major  Wool,  had  been  marched  to  their  support,  and  to  show 
them  an  example  of  firmness  ;  but  it  was  found  unavailing. 

Finding  that  the  enemy's  columns  had  penetrated  within  a 
mile  of  Plattsburgh,  orders  were  received  for  colonel  Appling 
to  return  from  his  position  at  Dead  Creek,  and  fall  on  the 
enemy's  right  flank.  The  colonel  fortunately  arrived  just  in 
time  to  save  his  retreat,  and  to  fall  in  with  the  head  ofa  column 
debouching  from  the  wooJs.  lie  poured  a  destructive  fire  from 
his  riflemen,  and  continued  to  annoy  the  column  until  he  form 
ed  a  junction  with  major  Wool.  Notwithstanding  that  conside 
rable  execution  was  done  by  the  field  pieces,  the  enemy  still 
continued  to  press  forward  in  column  ;  considerable  obstruc 
tions  were,  however,  thrown  iu  their  way  by  the  removal  of  the 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  371 

bridge,  and  by  the  fallen  trees:  a  galling  fire  was  also  kept  up 
from  the  galleys  as  they  passed  the  creek. 

Pittsburgh  is  on  the  north  east  side  of  the  Saranac,  near  its 
entrance  into  lake  Champlain,  directly  opposite  the  American 
works.  The  town  was  of  course  abandoned,  and  occupied  by 
the  British.  Attempts  were  made  to  take  possession  of  the 
bridge,  but  it  was  resolutely  guarded  by  the  Americans.  When 
our  troops  had  passed  the  bridge,  the  planks  were  raised,  and 
used  for  a  breast  work. 

The  enemy,  now  masters  of  the  village,  instead  of  attempt 
ing  to  carry  the  American  works,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
river,  which  their  vast  superiority  of  force  might  have  enabled 
them  to  do,  contented  themselves  with  erecting  works,  whence 
they  continued  to  annoy  the  Americans,  and  constantly  skir 
mishing  at  the  bridges  and  fi»rds.  By  the  eleventh,  the  fifth 
day  of  the  siege,  a  considerable  force  of  New  York  and  Ver 
mont  militia,  which  had  been  continually  collecting,  lined  the 
Saranac,  and  repelled  the  attempts  of  the  British  to  cross, 
while  at  the  same  time,  a  considerable  body  was  sent  to  harass 
their  rear.  There  was  scarcely  an  intermission  lo  the  skir 
mishes  which  took  place  between  them  and  the  militia,  who  act 
ed,  after  the  first  day,  with  great  intrepidity.  The  American 
regulars,  at  the  same  time,  laboured  incessantly  to  extend  and 
strengthen  their  works.  During  this  time,  a  handsome  affair 
was  achieved  by  captain  iM'Glassin,  who,  crossing  the  river  in 
the  night,  assailed  the  British  regulars,  more  than  three  times 
his  number,  stationed  at  a  masked  battery,  which  had  been  for 
so.ne  days  preparing1,  drove  them  from  their  posts,  and  demo 
lished  their  works. 

The  principal  cause  of  delay,  which  was  fortunate  for  the 
Americana,  was  the  momsntary  expctation  of  the  fleet,  which 
was  intended  to  co-operate.  On  the  morning  of  the  eleventh, 
at  eight  o'clock,  the  look  out  boat  of  commodore  M'Donough, 
announced  its  approach.  It  consisted  of  the  Confiance.  carry 
ing  thirty-nine  guns,  twenty  seven  of  which  were  twenty- 
four  pounders;  the  brig  Linnet,  of  sixteen  guns;  the  sloops 
Chub  and  Finch,  each  carrying  eleven  guns;  thirieen  gal 
leys,  five  of  which  carried  two,  and  the  remainder  one 
gun.  The  commodore  at  this  moment  lay  at  anchor  in  Piatts- 
burg  bay,  and  intended  in  that  situation  to  receive  the  ene 
my.  His  fleet  consisted  of  the  Saratoga,  carrying  twenty- 
six  guns,  eight  of  which  were  long  twenty-tour  pounders; 
the  Ea^lo,  of  twenty  guns  ;  the  Ticonderoga  of  seventeen, 
the  Preble,  seven  :  and  ten  galleys,  six  of  which  carried  two, 
and  the  remainder  one  gun.  Besides  the  advantage  which  the 
enemy  possessed,  in  being  able  to  choose  their  position,  their 
force  was  much  superior.  The  number  of  guns  in  the  British 


372  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

fleet  amounted  to  ninety-five,  and  of  men,  to  upwards  of  a 
thousand:  while  that  of  the  Americans  was  eighty-six,  and  the 
number  of  men,  less  by  two  hundred.  One  of  the  American 
vessels  had  been  built  with  despatch  almost  incredible.  Eighteen 
days  before  the  trees  of  which  it  was  constructed,  were  actu 
ally  growing  on  the  shores  of  the  lake- 

The  American  vessels  were  moored  in  line,  with  five  gun 
boats  and  galleys  on  (ach  flank.  At  nine  o'clock,  captain 
Pownie,the  British  commander  anchored  in  lino,  abreast  of  the 
American  squadron,  at  about  three  hundred  yards  distance, the 
Confiance  opposed  Jo  the  Saratoga,  the  Linnet  to  the  Eagle  ; 
the  British  galleys  and  one  of  the  sloops  to  the  Ticonderoga, 
Preble,  and  the  left  division  of  the  American  galleys;  the  oth 
er  sloop  to  the  right  division. 

The  importance  of  the  contest  which  was  now  impending, 
will  justify  us  in  a  particular  description. 

In  this  situation  the  whole  force  on  both  sides  became  en 
gaged,  and  at  the  same  moment,  as  if  this  had  been  the  signal, 
the  contest  commenced  between  general  M'Comb  and  sir 
George  Prevost.  One  of  the  British  sloops  was  soon  thrown 
out  of  the  engagement,  by  running  on  a  reef  of  rocks,  whence 
she  could  not  be  extricated,  while  one  division  of  the  enemy's 
galleys  was  so  roughly  handled,  as  to  be  compelled  to  pull  out 
of  the  way.  But  the  fate  of  this  interesting  day,  on  which  the 
two  rivals  for  naval  superiority,  were  for  the  second  time  match 
ed  in  squadron, depended  chiefly  on  t  he  result  of  the  engagement 
between  the  two  largest  ships.  The  American  commodore 
maintained  the  unequal  contest  for  two  hours,  but  the  greater 
weight  of  the  enemy'?  battery  seemed  to  incline  the  scale  of 
victory,  although  he  suffered  prodigiously. (  The  chances  against 
the  Sartoga  were  accidentally  increased  by  thecommanderofthe 
Eagle,  who  not  being  able  to  bring  his  guns  to  bear  as  he  wish 
ed, cut  his  cable, and  anchored  between  theTicouderoga  and  Sa 
ratoga,  by  which  this  vessel  was  exposed  to  a  galling  fire  from 
the  enemy's  brig.  The  guns  on  the  starboard  side  had,  by  this 
time,  been  either  dismounted  or  become  unmanageable  :  the 
situation  of  the  enemy  was  but  little  better  ;  to  both,  the  for 
tune  of  the  day  depended  on  the  execution  of  one  of  the  most 
difficult  naval  manoeuvres;  to  wind  their  vessel  round, and  bring 
a  new  broadside  to  bear.  The  Copfiarice  assayed  it  in  vain,  but 
the  efforts  of  the  Saratoga  were  successful ;  a  stern  anchor  was 
let  go,  the  bower  cable  cut,  and  the  ship  winded  with  a  fresh 
broadside  on  the  frigate,  which  soon  after  surrendered.  A 
broadside  was  then  sprung  to  b(  ar  on  the  brig,  which  surren 
dered  in  fifteen  minutes  after.  The  sloop  opposed  to  the  Ea 
gle  had  struck  to  captain  Henley  sometime  before,  and  drifted 
down  the  line.  Three  of  the  galleys  were  sunk,  the  others  es- 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  373 

capeci ;  all  the  rest  of  the  fleet  fell  into  the  hands  of  commo 
dore  M'Donough.  By  the  time  this  bloody  contest  was  over, 
there  was  scarcely  a  mast  in  either  squadron  capable  of  bear 
ing  a  sail,  and  the  greater  part  of  the  vessels  in  a  sinking 
state.  Thore  wore  fifty  round  shot  in  the  hull  of  the  Saratoga, 
nnd  in  the  Confiance  one  hundred  and  five.  The  Saratoga  was 
twice  set  on  fire  bv  hot  shot.  The  action  lasted  two  hours  and 
twenty  n  inufes.  The  commander  of  the  Confiance  was  killed. 
with  forty-nine  of  his  men,  and  sixty  wounded.  On  board  the 
Saratoga  there  were  twenty-fig h!  killed,  and  twenM'-m;:-^ 
wounded.  Of  llu:  first,  was  lieutenant  Gamble  ;  and  on  b<nird 
the  Ticonderoga,  lieutenant  Stansbury,  (son  of  general  Stanr- 
bury,  of  Maryland.)  Among  the  wounded,  were  lieutenant 
Smith,  acting  lieutenant  Spencer,  ar,d  midshipman  Baldwin. — 
The  total  loss  in  the  American  squadron  amounted  to  fifty-r.vo 
killed,  and  fifty-eight  wounded.  The  I  ?s  of  the  enemy  was 
eighty-four  killed,  one  hundred  and  ten  wounded,  and  eight 
hundred  and  fifty  six  prisoners,  which  actually  exceeded  the 
number  of  their  captors. 

This  engagement,  so  deeply  interesting  to  the  two  rival  na 
tions,  took  place  in  sight  of  the  hostile  armies.  But  they  were 
by  no  means  quiet  spectators  of  the  scene;  a  hot  engagement 
was  kept  up  during  the  whole  time;  the  air  was  fiiied  with 
bombs,  rockets,  sbarpnels,  and  hot  balls.  Three  desperate  ef 
forts  were  made  by  the  British  to  cross  over,  and  storm  the 
American  works,  in  which  they  were  as  often  repulsed,  with 
considerable  loss.  An  attempt  to  forco  the  bridge,  was  brave 
ly  defeated  by  a  detachment  of  regulars  and  captain  Grosve- 
nor's  riflemen.  They  attempted  a  ford  about  three  miles  above, 
but  were  so  briskly  assailed  by  a  body  of  volunteers  and  mili 
tia  posted  in  a  wood,  that  the  greater  part  of  the  detachment 
was  cut  to  pieces.  The  efforts  of  the  encrny  naturally  relaxed, 
after  witnessing  the  painful  sight,  so  little  expected,  cf  the  en 
tire  capture  of  their  fleet.  The  firing  was,  however,  kept  up 
until  night;  at  night  the  enemy  withdrew  their  artillery,  and 
raised  the  seige.  The  plans  of  sir  George  Prevost  were  ccm- 
pletely  frustrated,  since  the  Americans  had  now  the  command  of 
the  lake  ;  even  if  he  were  to  possess  himself  of  the  American 
works,  it  would  not  serve  him  any  further  design  ;  in  the  mean 
time  he  would  be  exposed  to  great,  danger  from  the  hourly  aug 
mentation  of  the  American  force.  Under  the  cover  of  the 
night,  he  therefore  sent  off  all  his  baggage  and  artillery,  for 
which  he  found  means  of  transportation ;  and  befpre  day  tbr» 
next  morning,  his  whole  force  precipitately  retreated,  leaving 
behind  their  sick  and  wounded.  Vast  quantities  of  military 
stores  and  munitions  of  war,  were  abandoned  by  them,  and  still 
greater  quantities  were  afterwards  found  hid  in  marshes,  or 
32 


374  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

buried  in  the  ground.  They  were  hotly  pursued,  a  riumher  of 
stragglers  were  picked  up,  and  upwards  of  five  hundred  desert 
ers  came  in. 

Those  of  the  British  army  and  nary  who  fell,  were  interred 
with  the  honours  of  war.  The  humane  attention  of  the  Ame 
ricans  to  the  wounded,  and  the  politeness  and  generous  atten 
tion  to  the  prisoners,  were  acknowledged  in  grateful  terms  hy 
captain  Pryng,  (who  succeeded  captain  Downie,)  in  his  official 
despatch  to  the  admiralty. 

Thus  was  this  portentous  invasion  most  happily  repelled,  and 
another  of  our  inland  seas  made  glorious  by  the  victories  of  free 
Americans.  The  k'st.;>r  spangled  banner"  waved  in  triumph 
on  the  waters  of  Charnplain,  as  it  did  on  Erie  and  Ontario. — 
These  noble  features  in  our  great  empire,  will  henceforth  be 
viewed  with  a  very  different  interest  from  what  they  heretofore 
excited. 

The  effect  of  this  victory  tended  to  allay  party  sj  irit,  and 
produce  unanimity  in  the  national  legislature.  The  gjeat  cause 
of  bitter  complaint  against  t  he  administration,  French  influence, 
was  at  an  end,  and  the  recent  conduct  of  Great  Britain  towards 
this  country,  rendered  it  impossible  for  any  one  to  say  that  she 
was  not  wantonly  pursuing  hostilities,  when  these  causes  no 
longer  existed.  No  one  could  now  be  the  advocate  of  Britain. 
But  in  addition  to  other  circumstances,  the  npglcct  experi 
enced  by  our  ministers  in  Europe,  and  the  shrfflii:g  policy  of 
Great  Britain,  which  procrastinated  a  final  ndjustmcnt  of  dif 
ferences?,  were  well  nmiersrood,  and  had  their  proper  effect  on 
our  citizens.  Our  sincere  desire  for  peace  was  met  by  the  de 
mand  for  a  surrender  of  a  large  portion  of  territory,  and  a  total 
reiinquishment  of  the  lake  shores,  a  sine  qua  non.  To  these  con 
ditions  it  is  evident  our  government  could  not  accede,  and  few 
were  so  weak  as  to  believe  that  the  proposition  was  made  with 
any  other  view,  than  to  prolong  the  negotiations,  ai;d  take  ad- 
tantage  of  circumstances  which  might  intervene. 

About  this  epoch,  a  convention  composed  of  delegates  frora 
several  of  the  New  EnglantPstates  met  at  Hartford,  the  mem 
bers  of  which  were  opposed  to  the  war.  This  step  occasioned 
much  excitement,  and  was  the  subject  of  many  speculations. 
It  was  charged  with  the  design  of  sundering  the  union  of  the 
states  ;  but,  after  a  brief  session,  terminated  in  an  address,  and 
remonstrance,  or  petition  to  congress,  enumerating  several  ob 
jections  to  the  federal  constitution.  It  was  presented  to' seve 
ral  states  for  approbation,  but  was  uniformly  rejected.  As  to 
the  constitutional  right  of  assembling  for  the  purpos-os  of  dis 
cussing  national  subjects,  we  can  havebut  one  voice,  unless  we 
abandon  republican  principles;  but  whether  the  motives,  the 
,  and  the  expected  results  of  this  convention  were  correct 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  375 

and  judicious,  is  problematical.  In  the  legislature  of  Pennsyl 
vania,  in  which  the  memorial  was  discussed,  the  conduct  of  the 
memorialists  was  severely  censured. 

Our  finances  now  appeared  to  revive,  under  the  indefatigable 
industry  and  great  abilities  of  Mr.  Dallas,  whom  the  president 
selected  at  this  critical  moment  to  fill  the  office  of  secretary  of 
the  treasury.  His  plans  were  characterized  by  the  greatest 
boldness,  but  were  unfolded  in  so  luminous  a  manner,  as  to 
carry  conviction  to  every  miud.  He  may  be  said  to  have 
plucked  up  the  sinking  credit  of  the  nation,  by  the  locks.  The 
duties  of  the  secretary  at  war  were*  at  the  same  time,  dischar 
ged  by  colonel  Monroe,  in  addition  to  his  other  avocations  ;  in 
which  undertaking  he  exhibited  no  small  courage,  for  it  had 
become  a  forlorn  hope  of  popularity  ;  he  was  happily  rewarded 
by  the  most  fortunate  success  in  all  his  measures,  and  by  the 
universal  applause  of  his  country. 

While  the  American  congress  was  thus  occupied,  the  pub 
lick  attention  was  awakened  by  a  most  alarming  state  of  affair" 
to  the  southward.  The*Creek  war  was  renewed,  and  a  powers 
ful  invasion  of  Louisiana  was  threatened.  General  Jackson- 
after  concluding  a  treaty  with  the  Creeks,  moved  his  head, 
quarters  to  Mobile.  Here,  about  the  latter  end  of  August,  he 
received  certain  information,  that  three  British  ships  of  war 
had  arrived  at  Pensacola,  and  had  landed  a  large  quantity  of 
ammunition  and  guny,  for  the  purpose  of  arming1  the  Indians,  and 
had  besides  marched  into  the  fort  with  three  hundred  troops, 
He  was  also  informed,  that  the  fleet  of  admiral  Cochrano  had 
been  reinforced  at  Bermuda,  and  that  thirteen  ships  of  the  line, 
with  transports,  were  daily  expected  with  ten  thousand  troops, 
for  the  purpose  of  invading  some  of  the  southern  states.  On 
the  receipt  of  this  information,  he  immediately  wrote  to  the  gov 
ernor  of  Tennessee,  calling  for  the  whole  quota  of  that  state. 

On  the  fifteenth  of  September,  three  vessels  of  war  from 
Pensacola,  appeared  before  fort  Boyer,  which  commands  the 
entrance  to  Mobile  bay.  A  proclamation  was  issued  by  colo 
nel  Nichols,  commanding  his  majesty's  forces  in  Florida,  ad 
dressed  to  tha  inhabitants  of  Louisiana,  Kentucky  and  Tennes 
see,  inviting-  them  to  aid  the  British.  He  likewise  made  a 
proposition  to  a  nest  of  pirates  which  infested  one  of  the  lakes 
which  cornmuuicates  with  the  gulf,  to  assist  in  the  operations 
against  the  Americans  in  that  quarter.  This  nest  oPdespera- 
does  amounted  to  five  or  six  hundred,  and  their  commander, 
Lafitte,  had  beenout-lawed,  by  the  American  government.  In 
the  summer  the  establishment  had  been  broken  up  by  commo 
dore  Patterson,  but  had  again  organized,  and  would  be  a  dan 
gerous  force,  if  employed  by  our  enemies,  for  which  service 
they  had  large  offers. 


376  UNIVERSAL    HISTORY   OF 

But  what  was  most  humiliating'  to  those  who  could  stoop  so 
low,  this  alliance  was  indignantly  rejected.  Lafittc  at  first 
dissembled,  until  he  had  drawn  from  the  colonel  important  in 
formation,  when  he  dismissed  him  \vilh  disdain,  and  immediately 
despatched  a  messenger  to  governor  Claiborne,  who  had  some 
time  before  offered  five  hundred  dollars  for  his  apprehension, 
and  laid  before  him  incontestable  proofs  of  the  truth  of  his  dec 
laration.  The  governor  was  agreeably  surprised  at  this  unex 
pected  trait  of  generosity,  but  at  first  hesitated  as  to  the  course 
to  be  pursued  :  on  the  approach  of  danger,  however,  he  issued 
his  proclamation, in  which  he  pledged  himself,  that  those  enga 
ged  in  this  illicit  course  of  Jife  should  be  forgiven,  provided 
they  would  come  forward  and  aid  in  the  defence  of  tiie  country. 
This  was  joyfully  accepted  by  the  Barratariaris,  as  they  were 
called,  who  tendertd  their  services,  and  were  found  eminently 
useful. 

General  Jackson  having  in  vain  remonstrated  with  the    gov 
ernor  of  Pensacolo  for  his  unprecedented  conduct,  determined 
to  march  against  that  place.     Having'Veceived  a  reinforcement 
of  two  thousand  Tennessee  militia,  which  had  marched  through 
the  Indian  country,   he  advanced  lo  Pensacola,  to    demand    re 
dress.     On  the  sixth  of  November  he  reached  the    neighbour 
hood  of  that  post,  and  immediately  sent  major  Peire  with  a  flag, 
to  communicate  the  object  of  his  visit,  to  the  governor  ;  but  he 
was  forced  to  return,  being  fired  on  from  the  batteries.      Jack 
son  then  reconnoitred  the  fort,  and  finding  it  defended  both  by 
British  and  Indians,  he  made   arrangements  for  storming  it  the 
next  day.     The  troops  were  put  ia  moliou  at  day  light,  and  be 
ing  encamped  to  the    west  of  the    town,  the  attack    would    be 
expected  from  that  quarter;   to  keep  up  this   idea,  part  of   the 
mounted    men    were   sent   to   show    themselves  on    the  we&t, 
whilst  the  remainder  of  the  troops  passed  to  the   rear  of  the 
fort,  undiscovered,  to  the  east  of  the  town.     His  whole    force, 
consisting  of  a  few  regulars,  a  body  of  militia,  and  some  Choc- 
taw  Indians,  appeared  in  vie\%when  within  a  mile  of  the   fort, 
and  advanced  firmly  to  the  enemy's  works,  although  there  were 
seven  British  vessels  on  their  left,  and  strong  batteries  of  can 
non  in  front.     On  entering  the  town,  a  battery  of  two  cannons, 
loaded  with  ball  and  grape,  was  opened  on  the   centre  column, 
composed  of  regulars,  and  a  shower  of  musketry  was  poured  from 
the  houses  and   gardens.     The  battery  was  soon  carried   and 
the  musketry  silenced.     The  governor  now  mado    bis    appear 
ance  with  a  flag,  begged  for  mercy,  and   offered  to    surrender 
the  town  immediately.  This  was  granted,  and  every  protection 
afforded  to  the  persons  and   property  of  the  inhabitants.     The 
commandant  of  the  fort   refused  to   surrender   until    midnight, 
when  he  evacuated  it  with  his  troops,   just   as   the    Americans 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  377 

were  preparing  to  make  a  furious  assault.  The  British  with 
drew  their  shipping,  and  Jackson,  having  accomplished  his 
purpose,  returned  to  Mobile. 

Notwithstanding  the  negotiations  for  peace,  preparations 
were  made  for  a  formidable  invasion  of  Louisiana,  and  governor 
Claiborne  ordered  the  two  divisions  of  militia  to  hold  themselves 
in  readiness  to  repel  an  attack.  He  also  called  on  the  inhabit 
ants  to  turn  out  en  masse,  for  the  defence  of  their  liberties  and 
homes. 

In  New  Orleans,  the  citizens,  from  the  commencement  of 
the  war,  as  if  sensible  of  the  feeble  help  which  they  could  ex 
pect  from  the  general  government,  manifested  the  greatest 
alacrity  in  qualifying  themselves  for  taking  the  field  against  an 
invader.  Every  man  capable  of  bearing  arms,  had  become  a 
soldier,  and  perhaps  in  none  was  there  such  frequent  and  elegant 
displays  of  well  disciplined  volunteer  companies  dressed  in  uni 
form.  The  wonder  Ail  aptitude  of  the  French  for  the  profession 
of  arms,  was  n^v^r  more  fully  exhibited.  There  were  inter 
mingled  with  them,  a  number  of  men  who  had  served  in  the 
French  armies. 

The  free  people  of  colour,  a  numerous  class,  were  permitted, 
as  a  privilege  of  which  they  were  proud,  to  form  volunteer 
companies,  and  wear  their  uniform;  some  of  these  were  natives, 
but  the  greater  part  had  been  refugees  from  St.  Domingo.  The 
American  and  French  inhabitants,  although  sometimes  at  vari 
ance  with  each  other,  on  this  occasion  united  heartily  in  dis 
like  to  the  English,  and  in  a  disposition  to  frustrate  their  de 
signs. 

Hearing1  of  the  danger  of  New  Orleans,  general  Jackson  re 
paired  thither  for  its  defence,  and  arrived  there  on  the  second 
of  December.     lie  put  in  requisition  all  the  powers  of  his  mind, 
an*i  took  the  most  active  measures  to  prevent  the  effects  of  an  w 
expesled  invasion. 

Batteries  were  constructed  in  important  situations,  and  every 
obstruction  put  in  the  way  of  the  invaders.  He  called  on  the 
legislature  for  resources,  which  were  promptly  supplied.  Col- 
onsl  Monroe,  acting  secretary  of  war,  had  already  forwarded 
military  supplies,  and  called  on  the  neighbouring1  governors  for 
a  considerable  force. 

About  the  fifth  of  December,  certain  intelligence  was  receiv 
ed,  that  the  British  fleet,  consisting  of  at  least  sixty  sail,  was 
off  the  coast  to  the  east  of  the  Mississippi.  Commodore  Pat 
terson  immediately  despatched  five  gunboats,  under  the  com 
mand  of  lieutenant  Catesby  Jones,  to  watch  the  motions  of  the 
enemy.  They  were  discovered  in  euch  force  off  Cat  Island, 
as  to  induce  the  lieutenant  to  make  sail  for  the  passes  into  lake 
Penchartrain,  in  order  to  oppose  the  entrance  of  the  British. 
32* 


378  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

The  Sea  Horse,  sailing  master  Johnson,  after  a  gallant  resist 
ance,  was  captured  in  the  bay  of  St.  Louis. 

On  the  fourteenth,  the  gunboats,  while  becalmed,  were  at- 
tacked  by  nearly  forty  barges  and  twelve  hundred  men,  and 
after  a  contest  of  an  hour,  with  this  overwhelming  force,  the 
flotilla  surrendered.  The  loss  of  the  Americans  was  forty  killed 
and  wounded  ;  among  the  latter,  lieutenant  Spidden,  who  lost 
an  arm :  lieutenants  Jones  and  M'Kecyer  were  also  wounded. 
The  loss  of  the  enemy  was  estimated  at  three  hundred  men. 

This  loss  was  severely  felt,  as  the  enemy  was  thereby  enabled 
to  choose  his  point  of  attack,  and  we  were  in  a  great  measure 
prevented  from  watching  his  motions.  But  the  exertions  for 
defence  were  neither  paralyzed  nor  abated.  The  legislature 
appropriated  money,  and  offered  bounties  which  induced  num 
bers  to  serve  on  board  the  schooner  Caroline,  and  the  brig 
Louisiana.  An  embargo  was  laid  for  three  days,  and  martial 
law  was  declared. 

Lafitte  and  his  Barratnrians,  about  this  time  joined  the  Amer 
ican  forces.  The  city  now  exhibited  an  interesting  spectacle  ; 
all  clashes  cheerfully  preparing  for  the  reception  of  the  invader, 
and  reposing  the  utmost  confidence  in  Jackson.  All  was  life 
and  bustle,  and  tliQ  female  part  of  the  society  seemed  err.ulous 
to  share  in  this  affecting  scene. 

All  the  principal  bayous  which  communicate  with  the  lake> 
and  the  narrow  strip  of  land  on  the  borders  of  the  Mississippi, 
through  the  swamps,  had  been  obstructed.  There  was,  how 
ever,  a  communication  with  lake  Borgne,  but  little  known,  cal 
led  the  bayou  Bienvenu,  used  by  fishermen;  iis  head  near  the 
plantation  of  general  Villere,  seven  miles  bfloiv  the  city.  Ma 
jor  Villere  had  received  orders  from  his  father  to  guard  this 
bayou,  and  he  accordingly  stationed  a  guard  near  its  entrance 
into  the  lake,  at  the  cabins  of  tome  fishermen. 

It  afterwards  appeared,  that  these  wretches  had  been  in  the 
employment  of  the  British.  On  the  twenty-second,  guided  by 
them,  the  enemy  came  suddenly  upon  the  American  guard,  and 
took  them  prisoners.  The  division  under  general  Keane,  by 
four  o'clock  in  the  morning  reached  the  commencement  of  Vil- 
lere's  canal,  and  having1  disembarked  and  rested  some  hours, 
proceeded  through  the  cane-brake,  and  by  t.\vo  o'clock  reached 
the  bank  of  the  river.  General  *Villore's  house  was  suddenly 
surrounded,  as  also  that  of  his  neighbour,  colonel  La  Ronde  ; 
but  this  officer,  as  well  as  major  Villere,  was  so  fortunate  as  to 
effect  his  escape,  and  hastening  to  the  head  quarters,  commu 
nicated  the  intelligence. 

The  alarm  gun  was  fired,  and  the  commander  in  chief,  with 
that  promptitude  and  decision  for  which  he  is  so  remarkable, 
instantly  resolved  on  the  only  course  to  be  pursued,  which  was, 


THE  UXITED  STATES.  379 

without  the  loss  of  a  moment's  lime,  to  attack  the  enemy. 
Coffee's  riflemen,  stationed  above  the  city,  in  one  hour's  time 
were  at  the  place  of  rendezvous ;  the  battalion  of  major  Piaache 
had  arrived  from  the'bayou,  and  the  regulars  and  city  volun 
teers  were  ready  to  march.  By  six  o'clock  the  different  corps 
were  united  on  Rodrigne's  canal,  six  miles  below  the  city. 
The  schooner  Caroline,  captain  Henley,  at  the  same  time  drop 
ped  down  the  river.  The  command  of  genera!  Coffee,  togeth 
er  with  captain  Bsalo's  riflemen,  were  placed  on  the  left,  to 
wards  the  woods;  ihe  city  volunteers  and  men  of  colour,  under 
Plauche  and  Duquin;  the  whole  under  the  command  <ff  colonel 
Ross,  were  stationed  to  the  right  of  these;  and  next  to  them 
the  two  regiments  of  regulars,  the  seventh  and  forty-fourth; 
the  artillery  and  marines,  under  colonel  M-Rea,  occupied  the 
road.  The  whole  scarcely  exceeding  two  thousand  men. 

The  British  force  at  this  time  amounted  to  three  thousand, 
and  instead  of  pushing  directly  towards  tho  city,  had  biouvack- 
ed,  fully  convinced  that  the  most  difficult  part  of  the  enterprise 
was  already  -achieved. 

Carroll's  torce  was  posted  on  the  Gentiliy  road,  to  provida 
against  an  attack  from  that  quarter.  Coffee  was  directed  to 
turn  their  right,  which  rested  on  the  wood,  at  the  distance  of 
half  a  mile  from  th-j  river,  while  til-1  g'.-nei'al  assailed  their 
strongest  position  near  it.  Commodore  Patterson,  who  had 
g-one  on  board  the  Caroline,  dropped  down  at  tho  same  time, 
and  was  to  open  his  fire  uporith-5  enemy  as  the  signal  of  attack. 
The  first  intimation  of  the  approach  of  the  Americans  was  a 
raking  broadside  from  the  schooner  ;  their  fire*  extending  from 
the  river,  enabled  the  assailants  to  take  deliberate  aim.  Coffee's 
men,  with  their  'usual  impetuosity,  rushed  upon  the  right,  and 
entered  their  camp,  while  Jackson's  troops  in  irout,  advanced 
upon  them  with  great  ardor. 

The  enemy,  although  taken  by  surprise,  arvl  having  several 
hundreds  suddenly  killed  and  wounded,  soon  formed,  and  their 
fires  being  extinguished,  came  into  action.  A  thick  fog,  which 
arose  shortly  after,  producing  some  confusion  in  the  different 
American  corps,  Jackson  prudently  called  off  his  troops,  lay  on 
the  field  that  night,  and  at  four  in  the  morning,  took  a  position 
on  the  other  side  of  the  canal  of  Rodrigue,  which  had  formerly 
b&en  a  mill-race. 

The  American  loss  was  twenty-four  killed,  one  hundred  and 
fifteen  wounded,  and  seventy-four  prisoners,  among  whom  were 
many  of  the  principal  inhabitants  of  the  city.  'Colonel  Lau- 
derdale,  of  Tennessee,  a  brave  soldier,  fell  much  lamented. 
That  of  the  British,  was  estimated  at  four  hundred,  in  killed, 
woundod  and  missing.  They  had  intended  to  proceed  to  New 


UNIVERSAL    HISTORY  OF 

Orleans  the  next  day,  but  were  induced  to  be  more  cautious, 
having  estimated  Jackson's  force  at  fifteen  thousand  men. 

The  general  set  to  work  immediately  to  fortify  his  position. 
This  was  effected  by  a  simple  breastwork,  from  the- river  to 
the  swamp,  with  a  ditch  in  front.  To  hasten  the  construction 
of  these  works,  cotton  bags  were  used,  as  the  cheeks  of  the 
embrazures.  As  the  enemy  was  still  annoyed  by  the  Caroline, 
they  set  to  work  in  constructing  batteries  to  attack  her,  and 
on  the  twenty-seventh,  threw  hot  .shot,  by  which  she  was  sel  on 
fire  and  blown  up,  about  an  hour  after  she  was  abandoned  by 
her  crew.  The  Louisiana,  which  then  took  her  station,  gua- 
tained  the  fire  of  all  the  batteries,  until  in  imminent  danger. 
In  losing  her,  the  whole  co-operative  naval  force  would  be  lost. 
Her  commander,  lieutenant  Thompson,  afier  encountering  ma 
ny  obstacles,  finally  succeeded  in  bringing  her  near  Jackson's 
position. 

After  the  destruction  of  the  Caroline,  sir  Edward  Packenham, 
the  British  commander  in  chief,  having  landed  the  main  body 
of  his  army,  with  a  sufficient  train  of  artillery,  superintended  in 
person,  the  arrangements  for  fortifying  his  position. 

On  the  twenty-eighth,  the  British  general  advanced  up  the 
levee  in  force,  with  the  intention  of  driving  Jackson  from  his 
iutrenchrnents  ;  and  at  the  distance  of  half  a  mile,  commenced 
attack  with  rockets,  bombs,  and  a  heavy  cannonade,  as  he  ap 
proached  the  American  works,  which  were  yet  unfinished. 
The  Louisiana,  discharging  her  broadside  upon  the  enemy's* 
column,  caused  great  destruction;  the  fire  from  the  American 
batteries  was  not  less  destructive  ;  and  after  a  violent  struggle 
of  seven  hours,  the  British  general  retired. 

The  loss  of'the  Americans  was  seven  killed  and  eight  wound 
ed;  among1  the  former  colonel  Henderson,  of  Tennessee.  That 
of  the  British  much  more  considerable. 

On  the  morning  of  the  first  of  January,  1815,  sir  Edward 
Packenham  was  discovered  to  have  constructed  batteries  near 
the  American  works,  and  at  daylight  commenced  a  heavy  fire 
from  them,  which  was  well  returned  by  Jackson.  A  bold  at 
tempt  wa?,  at  tbe  same  time,  made  to  turn  the  left  of  the  A- 
mericans;  but  in  this  the  enemy  was  completely  reputed.  The 
British  ret-red  in  the  evening,  from  their  batteries,  having 
spiked  their  guns,  and  leaving  behind  a  quantity  of  ammunition. 
The  loss  of  the  Americans,  on  this  occasion,  was  eleven  killed, 
and  twenty-three  wounded. 

On  the  fourth,  general  Jackson  was  joined  by  two  thous-aad 
fire  hundred  Kentuckians,  under  general  Adair;  and  on  the 
sixth,  the  British  were  joined  by  g-enoral  Lambert,  at  the  head 
of  four  thousand  men.  The  British  force  now  amounted  to 
little  short  of  fifteen  thousand  of  the  finest  troops;  that  of  the 


THE  UNITED   STATES.  381 

Americans  to  about  six  thousand,  chiefly  raw  militia,  a  consid 
erable  portion  unarmed,  aud  from  the  haste  of  their  departure, 
badly  supplied  with  clothing.  All  the  private  arms  which  the 
inhabitants  possessed  were  collected,  and  the  ladies  of  New 
Orleans  occupied  themselves  continually  in  making  different 
articles  of  clothing.  The  mayor  of  the  city,  Mr.  Girod,  waa 
particularly  active  at  this  trying  moment. 

The  British  general  now  prepared  for  a  serious  attempt  O'\ 
the  American  works.  With  great  Jabour  he  had  completed, 
by  the  seventh,  a  canal  from  the  swamp  to  the  Mississippi,  by 
which  he  was  enabled  to  transport  a  number  of  his  boats  to  the 
river.  It  was  his  intention  to  make  a  simultaneous  attack  on 
the  nnia  force  of  general  Jackson  on  the  left  bank,  and  crossing 
the  river  to  attack  the  batteries  on  the  right. 

Tiie  works  of  the  American  general  were  by  this  time  com 
pleted.  His  front  was  a  straight  line  of  one  thousand  yards, 
defended  by  upwards  of  tiiree  thousand  infantry  and  artillerists. 
Tiie  dif.cli  contained  five  feet  water,  and  hi/froat  from  having 
been  flooded  by  opening  the  levees  and  frequent  rains,  was 
rendered  clipper,*  and  muddy.  Eight  distinct  batteries  were 
judiciously  disposed,  mounting  in  ail  twelve  guns,  of  different 
calibres.  Oil  the  opposite  side  of  the  river  there  was  a  strong 
battery  of  fifteen  guns,  and  the  entrenchments  were  occupied 
by  general  Morgan,  wilh  the  Louisiana  militia,  and  of  a  strong 
detachmqnt  of  the  Kentucky  troops.  To  guard  against  an  at 
tack  from  any  other  quarter,  colonel  Riubeu  Kemper,  with  a 
few  men,  encountering  infinite  difficulties,  had  explored  every 
pass  and  bayou,  and  on  this  subjejt  hid  placed  at  easatlu  mind 
of  the  corn-Dander  in  chief. 

On  the  memorable  morning  of  the  eighth  of  January,  general 
Puckenharn,  having  detached  colonel  Thornton  with  a  consid 
erable  force,  to  attack  the  works  on  the  right  bank  of  the  river, 
moved  with  his  whole  force,  exceeding  twelve  thousand  men, 
in  two  divisions,  under  major  generals  Gibbs  and  Kean ;  and  a 
reserve  under  general  Lambert.  The  first  of  these  officers 
was  to  make  the  principal  attack;  the  two  columns  were  sup 
plied  with  scaling  ladders  and  fascines. 

Thus  prepared,  the  Americans  patiently  waited  the  attack, 
which  would  decide  the  fate  of  Ne,-/  Orleans,  aad  perhaps  .  f 
Louisiana. 

The  British  deliberately  advanced  in  solid  columns,  over  an 
even  plain,  in  front  of  the  American  entrenchments  ;  the  men 
carrying  besides  their  muskets,  fascines,  and  some  of  them  lad 
ders. 

A  dead  silence  prevailed,  until  they  approached  within  reach 
of  the  b.uteries,  A'h>ch  commenced  an  incessant  and  destructive 
cannonade  ;  they,  notwithstanding,  continued  to  advance  in 


332  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

tolerable  order,  closing  up  their  ranks,  as  fast  as  they  were 
opened  by  the  fire  of  the  Americans.  When  they  came  within 
reach,  however,  of  the  musketry  and  rifles,  these  joined  with 
the  artillery,  and  produced  such  dreadful  havoc, that  they  were 
instantly  thrown  into  confusion. 

Never  was  there  so  tremendous  a  fire,  as  that  kept  up  from 
the  American  lines;  it  was  a  continued  stream;  those  behind 
loading;  for  the  men  in  front,  enabled  them  to  fire  with  scarcely 
an  intermission.  The  British  columns  were  literally  swept 
away;  hundreds  fell  at  every  discharge.  The  British  officers 
were  now  making  an  effort  to  rally  their  men,  and  in  this  at 
tempt,  their  commander,  a  gallant  officer,  general  Packenham, 
was  killed, 

The  two  generals,  Gibbs  and  Kean,  succeeded  in  pushing 
forward  their  columns  a  second  time;  but  the  second  approach 
was  more  fatal  than  the  first;  the  continued  rolling  fire  of  the 
Americans,  resembled  peals  of  thunder.  It  was  such  as  no 
troops  could  withstand.  The  advancing  columns  broke,  and 
no  effort  to  rally  them  could  avail;  a  fe\v  platoons,  only,  ad 
vanced  to  the  edge  of  the  ditch,  to  meet  a  more  certain  destruc 
tion.  An  unavailing  attempt  was  mad.e  to  rally  them  a  third 
time,  by  their  officers,  whose  gallantry,  on  this  occasion,  de 
served  a  better  fate,  in  a  better  cause.  Generals  Gibbs  and 
Kean  were  carried  away,  severely  wounded,  the  former  mor 
tally. 

The  plain  between  the  front  of  the  British,  and  the  Americun 
lines,  was  strewed  with  dead  ;  so  dreadful  a  carnage,  consider 
ing  the  length  of  time,  and  the  numbers  engaged,  was  perhaps 
never  witnessed.  Two  thousand,  at  the  lowest  esiimate,  pres 
sed  the  earth,  besides  a  number  of  the  wounded,  who  were  not 
able  to  escape.  The  loss  of  the  Americans  did  not  exceed  sev 
en  killed  and  six  wounded.  General  Lambert  was  the  only 
general  officer  left  upon  the  field;  being  unable  to  check  the 
flight  of  the  British  columns,  he  retired  to  his  encampment. 

In  the  meantime,  the  detachment  under  colonel  Thornton 
succeeded  in  landing  on  the  right  bank,  and  immediately  attack 
ed  the  entrenchment  of  general  Morgan.  The  American  right, 
believing  itself  outflanked,  abandoned  its  position,  while  the 
left  maintained  its  ground  for  some  time;  but  finding  itself  de 
serted  by  those  on  the  right,  and  being  outnumbered  by  the 
enemy,  they  spiked  their  guns  and  retired.  Colonel  Thornton 
was  severely  wounded,  and  the  command  devolved  on  colonel 
Gobbins,  who,  seeing  the  fate  of  the  assault  on  the  left  bank, 
and  receiving  orders  from  general  Lambert,  recrossed  the 
river. 

On  the  return  of  general  Lambert  to  his  camp,  it  was  resoly- 
ed,  in  consultation  with  admiral  Cochrane,  to  retire  to  their 


THE   UNITED  STATES.  383 

shipping.  This  was  effected  with  great  secresy  ;  and  during 
the  night  of  the  eighteenth,  their  camp  was  entirely  evacuated. 
From  the  nature  of  the  country,  it  was  found  impossible  to  pursue 
them  ;  they  left  eight  of  their  wounded,  and  fourteen  pieces  of 
artillery.  Their  loss  in  this  fatal  expedition  was  immense  ; 
besides  their  generals,  and  a  number  of  valuable  officers,  their 
force  was  diminished  by  at  least  five  thousand  men. 

It  was  in  vain,  as  in  other  instances,  to  conceal  the  truth  of 
this  affair  ;  ,and  the  sensations  which  it  produced  in  Great  Bri- 
tsin,  are  not  easily  described  :  the  conduct  of  the  ministry  was 
regarded  as  shamefully  dishonorable,  in  thus  stretching  forth 
one  hand  to  receive  the  olive,  which  was  tendered  by  America, 
and  at  the  same  time  secretly  wielding  a  dagger  with  the 
other. 

Commodore  Patterson  despatched  five  boats,  under  Mr. 
Shields,  purser  on  the  New  Orleans  station,  in  order  to  annoy 
the  retreat  of  the  British.  This  active  and  spirited  officer  suc 
ceeded  in  capturing  several  of  their  boats,  and  in  taking  a 
number  of  prisoners. 

The  glorious  defence  of  New  Orleans  produced  the  most 
lively  joy  throughout  the  United  States,  mingled,  however, 
with  pity  for  a  brave  enemy,  who  had  encountered  so  disas 
trous  a  defeat. 

The  British  fleet  had,  at  the  same  time,  ascended  the  Missis 
sippi,  for  the  purpose  of  bombarding  fort  St.  Philip,  which  was 
commanded  by  major  Overlon ;  but  without  being  able  lo  make 
any  impression. 

There  is  but  little  doubt,  that  the  object  of  Great  Britain 
was,  to  possess  herself  of  Louisiana,  and  obtaining  a  cession 
from  Spain,  draw  a  cordon  round  the  United  States,  aad  by 
that  means  strangle  this  young  Hercules,  as  it  were  in  the  cra 
dle.  It  is  \veilk no wn^that  on  board  the  fleet,  they  had  brought 
all  the  officers  necessary  for  the  establishment  of  a  civil  gov 
ernment  even  a  collector  of  the  port  ! 

An  American  must  trembls  for  his  country,  when  he  looks 
back  at  the  danger  we  have  escaped.  That  the  British  in- 
tcn  led  to  deliver  the  city  of  Nexv  Orleans  to  be  sacked  by  their 
soldiery,  is  very  doubtful  ;  aad  f'-om  the  high  character  of  sir 
Edward  Packenham.  it  is  highly  improbable  that  he  would  have 
given,  as  the  watchword  of  the  occasion,  beauty  and  booty  ;  this 
was  more  probablv  spoken  by  some  of  the  inferior  officers,  with 
a  view  of  producing  an  excitement  among  the  soldiery. 

We  have  given  the  events  of  this  battle  in  detail;  because  it 
may  be  considered  as  the  most  important  in  its  consequences, 
of  any  which  occurred  during  the  war.  As  it  will  always  oc- 
cspy  a  conspicuous  place  in  the  annals  of  our  country,  we  were 


384  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

unwilling  to  bring  it  into  a  compass  so  s'mall  as  necessarily  to 
omit  many  of  its  features. 

We  turn  now  from  this  grand  spectacle  to  the  ravages  of  the 
contemptible  Cockburn,  who  was  pursuing  a  less  dangerous, 
but  more  profitable  occupation,  in  robbing  the  defenceless  in 
habitants  of  the  Carolinas  and  Georgia.  The  produce  of  the 
plantations,  household  furniture  and  negroes  \vere  the  trophies 
of  his  prowess.  Let  a  dark  mantle  shade  his  memory  from  the 
light  of  military  nnd  naval  renown. 

The  momentous  intelligence  of  the  defeat  of  tlfe  British  at 
New  Orleans,  had  scarcely  ceased  to  operate  upon  the  feelings 
of  the  people  of  the  United  States,  when  they  received  the  wel 
come  news  of  pence.  These  two  events  were  joyfully  celebra- 
ted>  by  illuminations  throughout  this  land  of  freedom  and  in 
dependence. 

To  us  the  war  is  pregnant  with  important  lessons.  We  have 
acquired  a  knowledge  of  our  weakness  arid  of  cur  strength. 
Our  confederation  will  rise  like  a  pyramid,  its  base  eternal. 
Our  best  policy  is  peace,  if  honourable;  fair  and  honorable 
policy  to  all  nations,  preferring-  justice  to  profit.  One  lesson 
we  have  been  taught,  which  was  worth  the  sum  we  have  paid 
for  the  war  :  THAT  WE  ARE  WEAK  IN  THE  PURSUIT  OF  CON 
QUEST,  BUT  ALL  POWERFUL  IN  DEFENCE. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

General  View  of  the  United  Slates. 

Having  now  bro'nght  the  history  of  our  country  down  to  the 
close  of  the  war  for  l'  free  trade  and  sailor's  rights,"  we  may 
be  allowed  to  take  a  glance  at  the  progress  which  we  have 
made  in  the  acquisition  of  territory  by  treaty  and  purchase, 
and  of  the  prospects  which  open  before  us.  We  now  number 
twenty-four  states,  one  distiict,  and  six  territories,  the  boun 
daries  of  which  follow. 

The  boundary  on  the  side  of  the  Spanish  dominions,  accord 
ing  to  the  treaty  wish  Spain,  ratified  in  1821,  begins  on  the 
gulf  of  Mexico,  at  ihn  mouth  of  the  river  Sabine,  and  proceeds 
along  the  west  bank  of  that  river  to  the  33d  degree  of  N.  lat. ; 
thence!  by  a  line  due  north,  to  Red  river;  thence  up  that  river, 
to  the  meridian  of  100  degrees  W.  Ion. ;  thence  due  north  aiong 
that  meridian  to  the  river  Arkansas  ;  thence,  along  the  south 
bank  of  the  Arkansas  to  its  source  ;  thence  due  north  or  south 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  335 

as  the  case  may  be,  to  the  parallel  of  42  degrees  N.  lat.  and 
thence,  along  that  parallel,  to  the  Pacific  ocean.  On  the  side 
of  the  British  dominions,  the  boundary  begins  in  the  Atlantic 
ocean,  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  St.  Croix,  and  proceeds  up  that 
river  to  its  source  ;  thence,  due  north,  to  the  highlands  which 
separate  the  waters  falling  into  the  St.  Lawrence  from  those 
which  fall  into  the  Atlantic  ;  thence,  alon^r  those  highlands,  in 
a  S.  \V.  direction,  to  the  parallel  of  45  degrses  N.  lat.  ;  thence 
along  that  parallel  to  the  river  St.  Lawrence;  and  thence,  up 
that  river,  and  ihe  jjreat  lakes  Ontario,  Erie,  Huron,  and  Su 
perior,  to  the  most  northwestern  point  of  the  lake  cf  the 
Woods.  By  the  treaty  with  Great  Britain  in  1819,  the  boun 
dary  line  proceeds  from  the  last  mentioned  point  due  north  or 
south,  as  the  case  may  bo,  tu  the  parallel  of  49  degrees  N.  kit, 
and  thence,  due  west* along  that,  parallel  to  the  Rocky  moun 
tains.  The  boundary  between  the  Rocky  mountains  and  iho 
Pacific  ocean  remains  unsettled. 

The  states  are  arranged  according  to  their  location,  thus: 
Eastern — Maine,  New  Hampshire,  Massachusetts,  Vermont, 
Rhode  Island,  Connecticut,  sir.  Middle — New  York,  New 
Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  Maryland,  Jive.  Southern — 
Virginia,  North  Carolina,  South  Carolina,  Georgia,  Alabama, 
Mississippi,  Louisiana,  seven.  Western — Tennessee,  Kentucky, 
Ohio,  Indiana.  Illinois,  Missouri,  six.  District  of  Columbia, 
the  seat  of  the  general  government,  a  tract  often  miles  square. 
Territories — Michigan,  Northwest,  Arknns'is,  Missouri,  Ore 
gon,  Florida,  six.  States,  District,  and  Territories,  in  all  thir 
ty-one.  The  extent  from  south  to  north,  is  twenty- four  de 
grees,  comprehended  between  35°  and  4<J°  north  latifjdo.  and 
from  east  to  west,  fifty-eight  degrees  eleven  minutes,  west  lon 
gitude,  included  between  66°  49' and  135°.  The  whole  con 
taining  two  millions  of  square  miles. 

By  the  census  of  13-20,  the  whole  population  was  nine  millions, 
six  hundred  and  forty-one  thousand,  seven  hundred  and  eighty- 
four.  The  District  of  Columbia,  being  of  small  extent,  and 
embracing  three  populous  places,  Washington,  Alexandria, 
and  Georgetown,  contains  the  most  dense  population,  and  aver 
ages  three  hundred  and  thirty  on  a  square  mile.  Next  in  pop 
ulation  i.s  Massachusetts,  which  has  serenty-two  on  the  square 
mile.  Connecticut  fifty-eight,  and  Rhode  Island  fifty-three. 
Delaware  thirty-four,  New  York  thirty  ;  Maryland  twenty- 
nine;  New  Hampshire  twenty-six  ;  Vermont  and  Pennsylvania 
twenty-three;  South  Carolina  twenty;  Virginia  seventeen: 
Ohio  fifteen  ;  Kentucky  and  North  Carolina  thirteen  ;  Tenres- 
sce  eleven  ;  Georgia  six  ;  Louisiana  and  Alabama  three;  Mis 
sissippi  two  ;  Illinois  and  Missouri  one;  Michigan  contains  one 
inhabitant  to  about  five  square  miles;  Northwest  unknown: 
33 


386  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

Arkansas,  Missouri,  and  Oregon,  contain  a  million  of  square 
miles  ;  and  the  first  more  than  fourteen  thousand  inhabitants. 
Florida  has  about  one  inhabitant  to  three  square  miles. 

With  a  knowledge  of  the  qualities  of  the  soil,  healthiness  of 
the  clime,  water  privileges  and  communications,  those  who 
wish  to  emigrate,  can  determine  on  the  most  eligible  situation 
with  a  tolerable  degree  of  accuracy,  according  to  the  business 
Tvhich  they  propose  to  pursue. 

Another  consideration  with  those  who  wish  to  change  their 
place  of  residence,  may  sometimes  be  taken  into  the  account, 
and  this  is  the  prevalence  of  religious  opinion.  Taking  the 
whole  of  the  Union  collectively,  the  principal  religious  denomi 
nations  are  Presbyterians  and  Congregationalists,  who  have 
together  more  than  2,500  congregations;  the  Baptists,  who 
have  more  than  2000  congregations  ;  tfie  Friends,  who  have 
more  than  500  societies  ;  and  the  Episcopalians,  who  have  about 
300.  The  Methodists,  also,  are  very  mimerous.  The  Baptists 
and  Methodists  are  found  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States;  the 
Congregationalists  are  almost  wholly  in  New  England;  the 
Presbyterians  are  scattered  ever  the  Middle  and  Southern 
states;  the  Friends  are  most  numerous  in  Pennsylvania  and 
the  adjoining  states,  and  the  Episcopalians,  in  New  York,  Con 
necticut,  Maryland,  and  Virginia.  German  Lutherans,  German 
Calvinists,  and  Moravians  are  also  numerous  in  the  Middle 
states. 

But  besides  these,  the  Unitarians  are  a  fast  increasing  sect, 
of  which  a  majority  of  the  Congregational  i-ocieties  in  Boston, 
are  knowu  to  be,  and  more  or  less,  the  doctrine  is  spreading 
through  the  United  State,  though  the  principal  part  of  the  so 
cieties  are  supposed  to  be  in  New  England.  The  Universalists 
are  also  numerous  in  Maine,  Massachusetts,  New  Hampshire 
and  Vermont;  and  in  the  western  counties  of  New  York  Ihey 
abound.  In  New  York  city  and  Philadelphia,  are  several 
churches,  and  in  South  Carolina,  Ohio,  Alabama  and  Georgia, 
they  are  fast  increasing. 

Next  to  religious  opinions,  the  sort  of  people  among  whom 
we  purpose  to  fix  a  permanent  abode,  may  very  properly  be 
considered.  Of  the  United  States  the  inhabitants  consist  of 
whites,  negroes,  and  Indians. 

The  negroes  are  generally  slaves,  and  are  principally  con 
fined  to  the  states  south  of  Pennsylvania  and  the  river  Ohio. 
All  the, whites  are  of  European  origin  ;  principallly  English. 
The  New-Englanders,  Virginians,  and  Carolinians  are  almost 
purely  English.  Next  to  the  English  are  the  Germans,  who 
are  very  numerous  in  the  Middle  states,  particularly  in  Penn 
sylvania.  Next  to  the  Germans  are  the  Dutch,  who  are  most 
•flumerousin  New  Yoik.  The  French  constitute  nearly  half 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  387 

the  population  of  Louisiana.  The  Irish  and  Scotch  are  found 
in  the  Middle  states,  in  the  back  parts  of  Virginia,  and  in  all 
the  principal  cities  of  the  Union.  Very  little  is  known  about 
the  Indians  west  of  the  Mississippi.  The  four  principal  tribes 
on  the  east  of  the  Mississippi  are  the  Creeks,  Choctaws,  Cher- 
okees,  and  Chickasawa.  These  tribes  live  vvithin  the  chartered 
limits  of  Georgia,  Alabama,  Mississippi  and  Tennessee. 

In  a  country  of  such  great  extent,  the  habits,  manners,  ant] 
general  occupations  of  the  people  will  of  course  ditfer  material 
ly.  The  eastern,  or  New  England  States,  in  the  interior  pof- 
tions,  have  until  lately,  devoted  their  attention  principally  to 
agriculture,  con6ried  to  such  articles  as  are  of  prime  necessity 
in  sustaining  life.  The  cities  and  towns  on  the  seaboard,  have 
attended  to  the  fisheries  and  commerce  generally.  Lately  they 
have  been  led  to  manufactures,  particularly  of  cloths  and  col- 
ton,  for  which  their  various  streams  are  well  adapted.  The 
restrictions  on  commerce,  if  continued,  will  probably  direct 
most  ofthe  capital  hitherto  occupied  in  foreign  commerce,  into 
this  channel.  The  imrnence  forests  in  some  of  the  states,  will, 
however,  occupy  numbers  in  the  lumber  trade,  for  years  to 
come. 

New  England  undoubtedly  holds  the  first  rank  in  literature, 
commerce,  enterprise,  and  wealth,  but  in  grandeur  and  sublimi 
ty,  and  the  natural  means  of  wealth,  the  western  states  are 
more  than  successful  rivals.  The  plains  and  mountains,  and 
rivers  and  forests  ofthe  newly  settled  parts  of  the  new  world, 
have  no  parallel  in  the  eastern  continent.  The  following  de 
scription  of  the  Prairies  of  Louisiana  is  extracted  from  Nilee' 
Register,  a  work  not  exceeded  in  this  country  for  the  extent 
and  value  of  its  communications. 

The  districts  of  Attakapas  and  Oppelousas  which  stretch 
along  the  Mexican  gulph,  from  the  Attchaffallaya  to  the  Sa- 
bine,  are  scarcely  known  to  geographers,  though  they  form  a 
most  interesting  portion  of  the  republic.  The  fertility  of  tha 
eoil,  the  value  of  its  products — the-  immense  natural  meadows 
which  cover  five  eights  of  the  country,  and  their  peculiar  fit 
ness  for  feeding  cattle,  are  all  worthy  the  attention  of  the  shoals 
of  emigrants  who  are  seeking  wealth  or  liberty,  to  the  west  and 
south.  The  accounts  published  by  Brackenridge  and  Darby 
are  most  to  be  relied  on  ;  but  neither  of  those  writers  have 
been  sufficiently  explicit,  though  each  enjoyed  opportunities  of 
acquiring  better  information.  The  following  statement  may, 
perhaps,  be  perused  with  some  interest  by  such  as  are  pleased 
to  note  the  rapid  march  which  our  country  is  making  to  power, 
and  give  the  reader  some  idea  ofthe  vast  resources  of  Louisa- 
na. 


388  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

About  Ihe  year  1755,  a  few  French  traders  commenced  s 
traffic  for  peltry  with  the  Indians,  who  inhabited  those  prairies. 
They  were  soon  followed  by  others,  who  remarking-  the  great 
profits  to  be  realized  from  stock -raising,  introduced  horned 
cattle  into  the  country.  Their  success  encouraged  others  to 
adventure;  and  we  find  from  the  census  of  1785,  that  Atta- 
kapaa  and  Oppelousas  then  contained  2408  inhabitants.  In  the 
year  1801,  their  population  was  rated  at  7250,  of  which  3500 
were  slaves.  Up  to  the  last  named  epoc  ha,  stock  raising-  form 
ed  the  almost  exclusive  occupation  of  the  inhabitants.  They 
supplied  New  Orleans  and  the  Mississippi  const  with  beef,  at 
the  rate  of  one  cent  and  a  fourth  per  pound  ;  but  even  at  this 
price  many  had  amassed  money  enough  to  purchase  slaves 
and  commence  farming  establishments.  The  American  gov 
ernment,  which  took  placa  early  in  1804,  gave  new  stimulus, 
and  induced  the  inhabitants  to  turn  their  ntlenlion  more  to 
planting-.  The  soil  and  climate  uniting-  with  their  exertions 
and  industry,  have  secured  to  the  first  planters  of  tbose  dis 
tricts  a  most  enviable  independence.  A  few  years  ago  they 
were  a  horde  of  shepherds,  consequently  a  hardy  and  virtuous 
race.  Of  late  their  plan  of  life  lias  changed,  and  their  means 
rapidly  increased,  without  introducing  the  thousand  fictitious 
wants,  which  usually  travel  in  the  train  of  wealth.  Even  now, 
it  is  no  uncommon  sight  to  see  a  planter  of  those  countries, 
owning,  perhaps,  seventy  or  eighty  slaves,  clad  in  the  product 
of  his  wife's  loom,  attending  to  his  horses,  oxen,  or  crop,  with 
more  assiduity  and  attention  than  characterises  a  Carolina 
overseer  : — yet,  if  a  stranger  visits  him,  lie  will  find  his  table 
crowded  with  the  best  wines  of  the  world,  and  no  lack  of  in 
telligence  or  any  thing  else  which  forms  good  cheer.  Riches 
here,  appear  to  add  only  to  the  comforts  of  their  possessor, 
without  forming-  the  invidious  distinctions  among  men  which 
exist  in  other  parts  of  the  world.  The  ease  with  which  they 
are  acquired,  may  be  the  reason  of  this — but  the  detached  situ 
ation  of  the  country  accounts  for  it  more  rationally.  Besides, 
the  population  is  as  yet  quite  thinly  scattered  over  an  immense 
territory,  and  wherever  this  is  the  case,  we  do  not  usually  fmd 
so  many  of  those  little  presuming  animals,  wearing  the  shapes 
of  men,  which  are  such  great  nuisances  in  thickly  inhabited 
countries. 

In  1810,  Attakapas  and  Oppelousas,  contained  13,774  souls. 
For  two  years  after  the  census  was  taken  there  was  a  great 
emigration  to  the  country.  It  was  stopped  early  in  1813,  by 
the  pressure  of  the  war,  but  since  the  peace  has  recommenced. 
At  present  (Sept.  1817  )  I  feel  confident  the  population  would 
be  estimated  too  low  at  2p,000. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  389 

It  is  the  custom  for  the  rich  and  gay  young  people  of  Louisia 
na  and  Mississippi,  to  spand  their  carnival  at  New  Orleans. 
The  health  enjoyed  by  the  young  ladies  of  the  prairies,  added  to 
their  active  and  industrious  habits,  gives  them  bloom  and  beau 
ty  which  cast  the  belles  of  other  districts  into  the  shade.  It  is 
a  singular  fact,  that  for  thirteen  winters  past,  the  reigning 
toast  in  the  Orleans  ball  rooms  has  been,  almost,  always  from 
Attakapas,  or  Oppelousas. 

The  topography  of  thosa  counties  are  pretty  accurately  de 
lineated  on  Darby's  mipof  Louisiana.  His  book  is  a  very  in 
ferior  production  to  his  map,  and  not  much  to  be  relied  on  as 
useful  information.  I  will  here  add  a  few  words  concerning  the 
soil  and  its  productions,  but  as  these  vary  in  an  extent  of  coun 
try,  containing  about  300, 000  square  miles,  I  will  consider  the 
districts  separately. 

O;}pelou<:is,  lying  to  the  north-west  of  Attakapas,  is  well 
calculated  for  a  grazing  country.  Its  prairies  are  very  exten 
sive,  and  the  greater  parts  of  the  land  second  and  third  rate. 
The  lands  of  the  best  quality  in  this  country  are  in  its  south 
west  corner,  consisting  of  a  strip  about  26  miles  long;  and  eight 
wide.  In  this  tract  are  situated  many  large  plantations  which 
yield  immense  profits  to  their  proprietors.  The  northern  part 
of  the  country,  bordering  on  Rapide  district,  is  poor  land,  and 
the  western  section  which  skirts  the  Gulph  and  the  River  Sa- 
biue,  is  little  better.  Those  lands,  however,  produce  tolerable 
corn,  and  a  coarse  luxuriant  grass  which  can  feed  cattle  enough 
to  supply  the  home  and  West  India  markets. 

Attakapas  is  divided  into  two  parishes,  St.  Mary  and  St.  Mar 
tin.  The  Vermilion  river  rises  in  Oppelousas,  and  on  entering 
St.  Martin's  becomes  a  considerable  stream.  The  lands  on  its 
banks  are  high  and  generally  of  the  best  quality.  After  a 
course  of  ninety  miles  in  ttiis  parish  it  falls  into  a  bay  of  the 
same  naui3  near  the  30th  degree  of  north  lattitude.  Between 
the  Vermilllon  aad  the  Minton  (the  western  limit  of  Attakapas) 
lies  a  prairie  country  which  in  soil  is  nothing  remarkable,  but 
affords  'excellent  pasairago. 

Ths  Tesche,  likewise,  rises  in  Oppelousas  near  the  source  of 
the  Vermillion.  Its  general  course  is  to  the  south  east,  pier 
cing  the  western  sections  of  St.  Martin  and  St.  Mary.  It 
meets  the  Alchalfallaya  at  Berwick's  bay,  and  is  navigable  for 
seventy  miles  from  its  mouth  for  the  largest  boats,  and  for  smal 
ler  craft  almost  to  its  source.  From  the  line  of  Oppelousas  to 
Berwick's  bay,  a  distance  of  more  than  ninety  miles,  there  is 
no  soil  on  its  banks  which  is  not  first  rate.  As  it  approaches 
the  sea,  however,  the  land  is  thought  to  improve,  and  the  cli 
mate  certainly  becomes  more  favorable  to  the  culture  of  sugar. 
Between  the  upper  part  of  the  Tesche  and  the  Vermillion,  in 
33* 


390  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

the  Parish  of  St.  Martin,  lies  a  rich  tract  of  country  principal 
ly  prairie-  It  is  as  yet  very  partially  settled,  owing  to  the 
scarcity  of  wood.  This  cannot  form  a'permanent  impediment, 
as  trees,  when  planted  in  those  meadows  and  shielded  from 
the  vernal  burnings  of  the  grass,  thrives  faster  than  any  soil  J 
have  ever  seen.  Several  persons  have  already  tried  the  ex 
periment,  and  find  four  or  five  years  sufficient  to  grow  any 
supply  of  fire  wood  they  may  want.  Besides,  there  is  not  any 
part  of  the  rich  meadows  of  Attakapas  more  than  five  miles 
distant  from  plenty  of  wood.  The  climate  is,  at  the  same  time 
so  mild  that  fuel  is  little  wanted  but  for  the  kitchen. 

The  good  lands  of  Oppelousas  and  St  Martin's  are  best  adap 
ted  to  the  culture  of  cotton.  They  sent  to  New  Orleans  last 
year  about  6,000  bales  of  fine  cotton,  and  if  the  whole  of  their 
rich  soil  was  cultivated  might  produce  annually  more  than  six 
ty  thousand  bales.  About  five  thousand  steers  are  each  year 
exported  from  those  districts,  which  sell  at  home  for  12  dol 
lars  each. 

The  parish  of  St.  Mary's,  being  the  southern  part  of  the 
tract  of  country  under  consideration,  is  well  adapted  for  the 
culture  of  sugar.  This  was  doubted  until  some  of.  the  enter- 
prizing  American  emigrants  tested  it,  in  the  last  two  years, 
by  the  most  successful  experiments.  It  is  found  to  succeed  as 
well,  if  not  better,  than  on  the  Mississippi,  and  the  cane  is  cer 
tainly  brought  to  maturity  with  less  labor.  Cotton  also  suc 
ceeds  remarkably  weli,  but  will  soon  give  way  to  sugar.  In 
the  year  1816,  this  parish,  with  a  population  of  about  3,000 
souls,  sent  to  market  2, 500  bales  of  cotton,  900  hogsheads  of 
sugar,  and  800  beef  cattle,  which  sold  for  $350,000. 

Some  sugar  has  been  cultivated  in  Oppelousas  and  St.  Mar 
tin's,  but  owing  to  mismanagement,  or  the  climate,  it  has  not 
succeeded  well. 

The  parish  of  St.  Mary  is  in  no  place  more  than  10  miles  wide, 
having  the  sea  on  one  side  and  lake  Platt  and  the  Attchaffal- 
laya  on  the  other,  which  may  have  an  influence  on  the  early 
frosts,  and  protect  the  cane  crop  till  it  reaches  maturity. 

The  Tesche  lands  lie  mostly  from  ten  to  fifteen  feet  above 
the  highest  swells  produced  by  the  Mississippi  floods.  In  tho 
year  1813  and  15,  when  there  were  very  great  freshes,  the 
lakes  between  the  prairies  and  the  Mississippi,  and  with  them 
the  Tesche,  rose  about  8  feet  above  their  common  level.  But 
a  recurrence  of  this  can  scarcely  be  expected,  as  the  levees  on 
the  Great  River  are  rapidly  extending,  which  will  prevent  ita 
waters  from  flowing  into  tho  lakes.  But  even  if  the  levees 
should  be  demolished,  the  prairies  are  too  high  ever  to  be  in 
undated. 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  391 

The  Vermillion  is  never  affected  by  the  Mississippi.  The 
lands  on  its  banks  (and  indeed  in  every  other  part  of  the  coun 
try  except  (he  Tesche)  are  from  30  to  100  feet  above  the  level 
of  the  sea. 

Sloops  of  100  tons  can  ascend  to  the  Tesche  to  Nova  Iberia, 
60  miles  from  its  mouth,  though  the  produce  of  the  country  is 
seldom  carried  direct  to  the  ocean,  the  Tesch*,  Atchaffallaya 
communicate  with  the  Mississippi  by  the  Lafourch  and  Plaqua- 
mine — a  voyage  from  any  part  of  those  rivers  can  be  easily 
made  to  New  Orleans  in  nine  days. 

Along  the  coast  of  Attakapas  are  found  four  Islands,  viz. 
Belle  Isle,  Cole  Blanche,  Grand  Cote,  and  Petite  Ance,  which 
bear  no  resemblance  to  the  main  land,  and  appear  to  be  rem 
nants  of  some  ancient  continent.  They  rise  several  hundred 
foot  above  the  tides,  and  I  would  suppose  originally  belonged  to 
a  high  diversified  country.  Be  this  83  it  may,  they  have  a 
very  fertile  soil  and  produce  the  best  sugar  and  cotton  of  Lou 
isiana.  The  four  islands  contain  about  7000  superficial  acres  of 
good  land.  There  are  sugar  establishments  on  all  but  Belle 
isle.  There  are  other  Islands  lying  in  tho  Attchaffallaya,  or 
Berwick's  bay,  which  have  a  very  good  sor1,  but  once  in  ten  or 
fifteen  vears  have  been  liable  to  be  overflowed  by  the  heaviest 
swells  .>f  the  Mississippi. 

In  Opr>elousas  about  one  third  of  the  poru'ation  i?  Ameri- 
icans.  In  St.  Martin's  one  fifth,  and  in  Si  Mary's  more  than  a 
mo'e'y.  The  rest  are  principally  French. 

Lands  throughout  the  whole  country  are  to  be  had  at  a  verv 
low  rate  ;  though  they  are  rising  every  day  in  value.  Go*  d 
tracts  in  the  parish  of  St.  Mary'?,  with  plenty  of  wood,  may  be 
had  for  two  and  three  dollars  the  acre. 

With  a  salubrious  climate,  a  rich  soil  and  industrious  popu 
lation,  Attakapas  and  Oppelousas  will  soon  nof  only  be  called 
the  richest  counties  of  Louisiana,  but  outstrip  in  agriculture  any 
section  of  the  union.  Such  a  country  is  worthy  of  observation, 
and  with  the  hope  that  the  remarks  I  have  made  may  result  to 
the  advantage  of  emigrants,  I  submit  them  to  my  countrymen. 

As  every  thing  relating  to  the  grand  events  which  gave  birth 
to  our  national  independence  are,  and  ought  to  be  interesting 
to  present  and  future  generations,  we  insert  below,  a  letter 
from  the  late  President  Adams  to  Mr.  Niles,  editor  of  the  week 
ly  Register,  published  at  Baltimore.  The  letter  is  preceded 
by  remarks  from  the  pen  of  that  very  able  editor. 

Those  who  delight  to  trace  the  early  dawnings  of  the  Ameri 
can  Revolution,  in  the  emphatical  meaning  of  the  venerable 
writer  of  the  following  article,  and  to  ascertain  the  feelings 
and  character  of  some  of  those  who  first  laboured  to  bring  about 
an  event,  the  effect  of  which  has  only  just  begun,  with  conse- 


392  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

qucnces  in  its  train  which  no  man  can  estimate, — will  be  grate 
ful  for  this  tribute  to  the  memory  of  the  illustrious  dead,  from 
the  pen  of  such  -i  distinguished  co-adjutor  arid  co-patriot,  as 
John  Adams.  Zealous  to  afford  the  pabulum  animi  to  the  re 
publican  American, — and  convinced  that  in  such  things  he  will 
find  new  causes  to  love  his  country  and  those  who  emancipated 
it,  we  feel  an  honest  pride  in  being  made  the  medium  for  giving 
them  to  our  fellow  citizens  ;  who,  if  we  do  not  greatly  mistake 
the  public  feeling,  indeed,  will  joyfully  receive  information  that 
a  sketch  of  the  character  of  Samuel  Adams  may  be  expected 
from  the  pen  of  his  distinguished  cousin,  counsellor,  co-actor, 
and  friend. 

Quincy,  February  13,  1818. 

MR.  NILES — The  American  Revolution  was  not  a  common 
event.  Its  effects  nnd  consequences  have  already  been  awful 
over  a  great  part  of  th.j  ^'Jobe.  And  when  and  where  are  they 
to  cease  ? 

But  what  do  we  me.-;;!  bj?  the  Ani"rican  Revolution?  Do  \vc 
mean  the  American  war?  The  Resolution  was  effected  before 
the  War  commenced.  The  Revolution  was  in  the  minds  and 
hearts  of  the  people..  A  change  in  their  religious  sentiments,  of 
their  duties  and  obligations.  While  the  king  and  all  in  authori 
ty  under  him,  were  believed  to  govern  in  justice  and  merey 
according  to  the  laws  and  constitution  derived  to  them  from 
the  God  of  nature,  and  transmitted  to  them  by  their  ancestors 
— they  thought  themselves  bound  to  pray  for  the  king  and 
queen  and  all  the  royal  family,  and  all  in  authority  under  them  ; 
as  ministers  ordained  of  God  for  their  good.  But  when  they 
saw  those  powers  renouncing  ail  the  principles  of  authority, 
and  bent  upon  the  destruction  of  all  the  securities  of  their  lives, 
liberties,  and  properties,  they  thought  it  their  duty  to  pray  for 
the  continental  congress,  and  all  the  thirteen  etalo  con 
gresses. 

There  might  be,  and  there  were  others,  who  thought  less 
about  religion  und  conscience,  but  had  certain  habitual  senti 
ments  of  allegiance  and  loyalty  derived  from  their  education  ; 
but  believing  allegiance  and  protection  to  be  reciprocal,  when 
protection  was  withdrawn,  they  thought  allegiance  was  dis 
solved. 

Another  alteration  was  common  to  all.  The  people  of  Ame 
rica  had  been  educated  in  an  habitual  affection  for  England  as 
their  mother  country  ;  and  while  they  thought  her  a  kind  and 
tender  parent,  (erroneously  enough  however,  for  she  never  was 
such  a  mother,)  no  affcction  could  be  more  sincere.  But  when 
they  found  her  a  cruel  beldam,  willing,  like  lady  Macbeth,  to 
"  dash  their  brains  out,"  it  is  no  wonder  if  their  filial  affections 
and  were  changed  into  indignation  and  hoiror. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  393 

This  radical  change  in  the  principles,  opinions,  sentiments, 
and  affections  of  the  people,  was  the  real  American  Revolu 
tion. 

By  what  means,  this  irreat  and  important  al'er-ition  in  the 
religioii>!,  moral,  political,  and  social  char-actor  of  the  people 
of  thirteen  colonies,  all  distinct,  unconnected,  and  independent 
of  each  other,  was  begun,  pursued,  and  accomplished,  it  is 
surely  interesting  to  humi-.uty  to  investigate,  and  perpetuate  to 
posterity. 

To  this  end  it  is  greatly  to  be  desired  that  young  gentlemen 
of  letters,  in  ali  the  states,  especially  in  the  thirteen  original 
stales.  w.nKl  under uke  (he  labjri-J'is.  but  certainly  interesting 
and  amusing  ta^k,  of  searching  and  collecting  all  the  records, 
pamphlets,  new-papers,  and  even  hand-bills,  which  in  any  way 
contributed  to  c.uinge  lue  temper  and  views  of  the  people,  and 
compiso  them  into  an  independent  nation. 

Tiie  colonies  had  grown  up  under  constitutions  of  government 
so  different,  there  \\MS  so  great  a  variety  of  religions,  they  were 
?ed  of  so  m::ny  -lirTerent  nations,  their  customs,  manners 
and  habits  had  s  »  Ihtie  resemblance,  and  their  intercourse  had 
Leea  so  ra  e.  and  their  knowledge  of  each  other  so  imperfect, 
that  to  unite  them  in  the  same  principles  in  theory,  and  the 
same  system  of  action,  was  certainly  a  very  difficult  enterprise. 
The  complete  accomplishment  of  it,  in  so  short  a  time,  and  by 
such  simple  means,  was  perhaps,  a  singular  example  in  the  his 
tory  of  mankind. — Thirteen  clocks  were  made  to  strike  to 
gether  ;  a  perfection  of  mechanism  which  no  artist  had  ever 
before  effected. 

In  this  research,  the  g-lonoroles  of  individual  gentlemen  and 
of  separate  states  is  of  little  c  msequence.  The  means  and  the 
measures  are  the  proper  objects  of  investigation.  These  may 
be  of  use  to  posterity,  not  only  in  this  nation,  but  in  South 
America,  and  all  other  outlines.  They  may  teach  mankind, 
that  revolutions  are  no  trifles  ;  they  ougat  never  to  be  under 
taken  rashly ;  nor  without  deliberate  consideration  and  sober 
reflection;  nor  without  a  solid,  immutable,  eternal  foundation 
of  justice  and  humanity;  nor  without  a  people  possessed  of  in 
telligence,  fortitude,  and  integrity,  sufficient  to  carry  them  with 
steadiness,  patience,  and  perseverance,  through  all  the  vici-^i- 
tudes  of  fortune,  the  fiery  trials  and  melancholy  disasters  they 
may  have  to  encounter. 

The  town  of  Boston  early  instituted  an  annual  oration  on  the 
fourth  of  July,  in  commemoration  of  the  principles  and  feelings 
which  contributed  to  produce  the  revolution.  Many  of  those 
orations  I  have  heard,  and  all  that  I  could  obtain  I  have  read. 
Much  ingenuity  and  eloquence  appear  upon  every  subject,  ex 
cept  those  principles  and  feelings.  That  of  my  honest  and 


394  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

amiable  neighbour,  Josiah  Quincy,  appeared  to  me  the  most 
directly  to  the  purpose  of  the  institution.  Those  principles 
and  feelings  ought  to  be  traced  back  for  two  hundred  years,  and 
sought  in  t.he  history  of  the  country  from  the  first  plantations 
in  America.  Nor  should  the  principles  and  feelings  of  the  Eng 
lish  and  Scotch  towards  the  colonies,  through  that  whole  period, 
ever  be  forgotten. — The  perpetual  discordance  between  British 
principles  and  feelings  and  those  of  America,  the  next  year  af 
ter  the  suppression  of  the  French  power  in  America,  came  to  a 
crisis,  and  produced  an  explosion. 

It  was  not  until  after  the  annihilation  of  the  French  dominion 
in  America,  that  any  British  ministry  had  dared  to  gratify  their 
own  wishes,  and  the  desire  of  the  nation,  by  projecting  a  formal 
plan  for  raising  a  national  revenue  from  America,  by  parlia 
mentary  taxation.  The  first  great  manifestation  of  this  design 
was  by  the  order  to  carry  into  strict  execution  those  acts  of 
parliament  which  were  well  known  by  the  appellation  of  the 
acts  of  trade,  which  had  lain  a  dead  letter,  unexecuted  for  half 
a  century,  and  some  of  them  I  believe  for  nearly  a  whole  one. 

This  produced,  in  1760  and  1761,  an  awakening  and  a  revival 
of  American  principles  and  feelings,  with  an  enthusiasm  which 
went  on  increasing,  till,  in  1775,  it  burst  out  in  open  violence, 
hostility,  and  fury. 

The  characters,  the  most  conspicuous,  the  most  ardent  and 
influential,  in  this  revival  from  1760  to  1766,  were — first  and 
foremost,  before  all  and  above  all,  James  Otis;  next  to  him 
was  Oxenbridge  Thatcher  ;  next  to  him  Samuel  Adams  ;  next 
to  him  John  Hancock  ;  then  Dr.  Mayhew,  then  Dr.  Cooper 
and  his  brother.  Of  Mr.  Hancock's  life,  character,  generous 
nature,  great  and  disinterested  sacrifices,  and  important  servi 
ces,  I  should  be  glad  to  write  a  volume.  But  this  I  hope  will 
be  done  by  some  younger  and  abler  hand.  Mr.  Thatcher,  be 
cause  his  name  and  merits  are  less  known,  must  not  be  wholly 
omitted.  This  gentleman  was  an  eminent  barrister  at  law,  in 
as  large  practice  as  any  one  in  Boston.  There  was  not  a  citi 
zen  of  that  town  more  universally  beloved  for  his  learning,  in 
genuity,  every  domestic  and  social  virtue,  and  conscientious 
conduct  in  every  relation  of  life.  His  patriotism  was  as  ardent 
as  his  progenitors  had  been  ancient  and  illustrious  in  this  cifKin- 
try.  Hutchinton  often  said,  ik  Thatcher  was  not  born  a  plebeian, 
but  ho  was  determined  to  die  one."  In  May,  1763,  I  believe, 
he  was  chosen  by  the  town  of  Boston  one  of  their  representa 
tives  in  the  legislature,  a  colleague  with  Mr.  Otis,  who  had 
been  amemberlrom  May  1761,  and  hecontinued  to  be  re-elect 
ed  annually  till  his  death  in  1765,  when  Mr.  Samuel  Adams 
was  elected  to  fill  his  place,  in  the  absence  of  Mr.  Otis,  then 
attending  the  congress  at  New  York.  Thatcher  had  long  been 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  305 

jealous  of  the  unbounded  ambition  of  Mr.  Hutchinson,  but  when 
he  found  him  not  content  with  ihe  officeof  lieutenant  governor, 
the  command  of  the  castle,  and  its  emoluments,  of  judge  of  pro 
bate  for  the  county  of  Suffolk,  a  seat  in  his  majesty's  council  in 
the  legislature,  his  brother-in-law  secretary  of  state  by  the 
king's  commision,  a  brother  of  that  secretary  of  state  a  judge 
of  the  supreme  court  and  a  member  of  council,  now  in  1760  and 
1761,  soliciting  and  accepting  the  office  of  chief  justice  of  the 
superior  court  of  judicature,  lie  concluded,  as  Mr.  Otis  did,  and 
a?  every  enlightened  friend  of  his  country  did,  that  he  sought 
that  office  with  the  determined  purpose  of  determining  all  causes 
in  favor  of  the  ministry  at  St.  James1  and  their  servile  parlia 
ment. 

Hia  indignation  against  him  henceforward,  to  1765,  when  he 
died,  knew  no  bounds  but  truth.     I  speak  from  personal  know 
ledge — For,  from  1758  to  1765,  I  attended  every  superior  and 
inferior  court  in  Boston,  and  recollect  not  one  in  which  he  did 
not  invite  me  home  to  spend  evenings  with  him,  when  he  made 
me  converse  with  him  as  well  ag  I  could,  on  all  subjects  of  reli 
gion,  moral?,  law,   politics,   history,  philosophy,   belle-lettres, 
theology,  rnytholog-y,co?mogony,  melaphysicks, — Locke,  Clark, 
Leibnitz,  Bolingbroke,  Berkley, — the  pre-established  harmony 
of  the  universe,  the  nature  of  matter  and  spirit,  and  the  eternal 
establishment  of  coincidences  between  their  operation  ;    fate, 
foreknowledge,  absolute — and  we  reasoned  on  such  unfathom 
able  subjects  as  high  as  Milton's  gentry  in  pandemonium  ;  and 
we  understood  them  as  well  as  they  did,  and  no  better.    To  such 
mighty  mysteries  he  added  the  news  of  the  day,  and  the  tittle 
tattle  of  the  town.     But  his  favorite  subject  was  politics,  and 
the  impending  threatening  system  of  parliamentary  taxation, 
and  universal  government  over  the  colonies.     On  this  subject 
he  was  so  anxious  and  agitated  that  I   have  no  doubt  it  occa 
sioned  his  premature  death.     From  the  time  when  he   argued 
the  question  of  writs  of  assistance  to  his  death,  he  considered 
the   king,  ministry,  parliament  and  nation  of  Great  Britain,  as 
determined  to  new  model  the  colonies  from  the  foundation;  to 
annul  all  their  charters,  to  constitute  them  all  royal  govern 
ments;  to  raise  a  revenue  in  America  by  parliamentary  taxa 
tion;    to  apply  that  revenue  to  pay  the  salaries  of  governors, 
judges,  and  all  other  crown  officers;  and  after  all  this,  to  raise 
as  large  a  revenue  as  they  pleased,  to  be  applied   to  national 
purposes,  at  the  exchequer  in  England  ;  and  further,  to  estab 
lish  bishops,  and  the  whole  system  of  the  church  of  England, 
tythes  and  all,  throughout  nil   Briusii  America.     This  system, 
he  said,  if  it  was  suffered  to  prevail,  would  extinguish  the  flame 
of  liberty  all  over  the  world  ;  that  America  would  he  employed 
as  an  engine  to  batter  down  all  the  miserable  remains  cf  liberty 


396  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

in  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  where  only  any  semblance  of  it 
was  left  in  the  world.  To  this  system  he  considered  Hutchin- 
son,  the  Olivers,  and  all  their  connexions,  dependents,  adher 
ents,  shoelickers — all  entirely  devoted.  He  asserted  that  they 
were  all  engaged  with  all  the  crown  officers  in  America,  and 
the  understrappers  of  the  ministry  in  England,  in  a  deep  and 
treasonable  conspiracy  to  betray  the  liberties  of  their  country, 
for  their  own  private,  personal,  and  family  aggrandizement. 
His  philippicks  against  the  unprincipled  ambition  and  avarice 
of  all  of  them,  but  especially  of  Hutchinson,  were  unbridled; 
not  only  In  private,  confidential  conversations,  but  in  all  com 
panies,  and  on  all  occasions,  he  gave  Hutchinson  the  sobri 
quet  of"  Sum  ma  Potestatis,"  and  rarely  mentioned  him  but  by 
the  name  of  "  Surnma."  His  liberties  of  speech  were  no  secrets 
to  his  enemies.  I  have  sometimes  wondered  that  they  did  not 
throw  him  over  the  bar,  as  they  did  toon  afterwards  major 
Hawley.  For  they  hated  him  worse  than  they  did  James  Otis, 
or  Samuel  Adorns,  and  they  feared  him  more,  because  they  had 
no  revenge  for  a  father's  disappointment  of  a  seal  on  the  supe 
rior  bench,  to  impute  to  him,  as  they  did  to  Otis ;  and  Thatch 
er's  character  through  life  had  been  so  modest,  decent,  unas 
suming,  hie  morals  so  pure,  and  his  religion  so  venerated,  that 
they  dared  not  attack  him.  In  his  office  were  educated  to  the 
bar,  two  eminent  characters,  the  late  judge  Lowell,  and  Josiah 
Quincy,  aptly  called  the  Boston  Cicero.  Mr.  Thatcher's  frame 
was  slender,  his  constitution  delicate ;  whether  his  physicians 
overstrained  his  vessels  with  mercury,  when  he  had  the  sirnll 
pox  by  inoculation  at  the  castle,  or  whether  he  was  overlived 
bj  public  anxieties  and  exeitions,  the  small  pox  left  him  in  a 
decline  from  which  he  never  recovered.  Not  long1  before  his 
death,  he  sent  for  me  to  commit  to  my  care  sc  me  of  his  business 
at  the  bar.  I  asked  him  whether  lie  had  seen  the  Virginia  re 
solves  :  "  Oh  yes — they  are  men  !  They  are  noble  spirit?!  It 
kills  me  to  think  of  the  lethargy  and  stupidity  that  prevail  here. 
I  long  to  be  out.  I  will  go  out.  I  will  go  out.  I  will  go  into 
court,  and  make  a  speech  which  shall  be  read  after  my  death, 
as  my  dying  testimony  against  this  infernal  tyranny  they  ure 
bringing  upon  u?."  Seeing  the  violent  ablation  into  which  it 
threw  him,  I  changed  (be  subject  as  soon  as  possible,  and  retir 
ed.  He  hf;d  been  ccr.firt  d  for  seme  time.  Had  he  been  abroad 
among  the  people,  he  wc.uld  i.ot  have  complained  so  pathetical 
ly  of  the  '•  ie'.hargy  and  rtupidity  that  prevailed,"  for  town  find 
country  were  all  olive;  Mid  in  August  became  active  enough, 
and  feme  of  the  people  j  rccecded  to  unwarrantable  excesses, 
which  were  more  lamented  by  the  patriots,  than  by  their  ene 
mies.  Mr.  Thatcher  soon  died,  deeply  lamented  by  all  the 
friends  of  their  country. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  397 

Another  gentleman  who  had  great  influence  in  the  com 
mencement  of  the  revolution,,  \vas  doctor  Jonathan  Mayhew,  a 
descendant  of  the  ancient  governor  of  Martha's  Vineyard. 
This  divine  had  raised  a  great  reputation,  both  in  Europe  and 
America,  by  the  publication  of  a  volume  of  seven  sermons  in 
the  reign  of  king  George  the  second,  1749,  and  by  many  other 
writings;  particularlv  a  sermon  in  1750,  on  the  thirtieth  of 
January,  on  the  subject  of  passive  obedience  and  non-resistance, 
ia  which  the  saints  hip  and  martyrdom  of  king  Charles  the  first 
are  considered,  seasoned  with  u  it  and  satire  superior  to  any  in 
JSwift  or  Franklin.  It  was  read  by  every  body  ;  celebrated  by 
friends,  and  abused  by  enemies.  During  the  reigns  of  king 
George  the  first  and  king  George  the  second,  the  reigns  of  the 
Stuarts,  the  two  Jameses  and  the  two  Charleses  were  in  gene 
ral  disgrace  in  England.  In  America,  t!ioy  had  always  been 
held  in  abhorrence.  The  persecutions  and  cruelties  Buffered 
by  their  ancestors  under  those  reigns,  had  been  transmitted  by 
history  and  traditi ->n  ;  and  Mayhew  seemed  to  be  raised  up  to 
revive  all  their  airrnosity  against  tyrauni',  in  church  and  state, 
and  at  the  same  time  to  destroy  their  bigotry,  fanaticism  and 
inconsistency.  David  Hume's  plausible,  elegant,  fascinating, 
and  fallacious  apology,  in  which  he  varnished  over  the  crimes 
of  the  Stuarts,  had  not  then  appeared.  To  draw  the  character 
of  Mayhew  would  be  to  transcribe  a  dozen  volumes.  This 
transcendant  genius  threw  all  the  weight  of  his  great  fame  into 
the  scale  of  his  country  in  1761,  agd  maintained  it  there  with 
zeal  and  ardor  till  his  death  in  1765.  In  1763  appeared  the 
controversy  between  him  and  Mr.  Apthorp,  Mr.  Caner,  Dr. 
Johnson  and  Archbishop  Seeker,  on  the  charter  and  conduct  of 
the  society  for  propagating  the  gospel  in  foreign  parts.  To 
form  a  judgment  of  this  debate,  I  beg  leave  to  refer  to  a  review 
of  the  whole,  printed  at  the  time,  and  written  by  Samu  1  Adams 
though  by  some,  very  absurdly  and  erroneously,  ascribed  to 
Mr.  Aplhorn.  If  I  am  not  mistaken,  it  will  be  found  a  model 
of  candor,  sagacity,  impartiality,  and  close,  correct  reasoning. 

If  any  gentleman  supposes  this  controversy  to  be  nothing  to 
the  present  purpose,  he  is  grossly  mistaken.  It  spread  an  uni 
versal  alarm  against  'he  authority  ef  parliament.  It  exctted  a 
general  and  j.^t  apprehension  that  bishops  and  dioceses,  and 
churches,  and  priests  and  tythes,  were  to  be  imposed  upon  us 
by  parliament.  It  was  known  that  neither  king  nor  ministry, 
nor  archbishops,  could  appoint  bishops  in  America  without  an 
act  of  parliament;  and  if  parliament  could  tax  us,  thev  could 
establish  the  church  of  England  with  all  its  creeds,  articles, 
tests,  ceremonies  and  tythes,  and  prohibit  all  other  churcncs  a* 
conventicles  and  schism  shops. 
34 


398  UNIVERSAL    HISTORY   OF 

WormustMr.  Gushing  be  forgotten.  His  good  sense  and 
sound  judgment,  (he  urbanity  of  his  manners,  his  universal  good 
character,  his  numerous  friends  and  connexions,  and  his  con 
tinual  intercourse  with  fill  sorts  of  people,  added  to  his  constant 
attachment  to  the  liberties  of  his  country,  gave  him  a  great  and 
salutary  influence  from  the  beginning  in  1760. 

Let  me  recommend  these  hints  to  the  consideration  of  Mr. 
Wirt,  whose  life  of  Mr.  Henry  I  have  read  with  great  delight. 
I  think,  t ns.it  after  mature  investigation  he  will  be  convinced 
that  Mr.  Henry  did  not  "  give  the  first  impulse  to  the  ball  cf 
independency"  and  that  Otis,  Thatcher,  Samuel  Adams,  May- 
hew,  Hancock,  Gushing,  and  thousands  of  others  were  laboring 
for  several  years  at  the  wheel,  before  the  name  of  Mr.  Hen;y 
was  heard  beyond  the  limits  of  Virginia. 

COMPARATIVE  ESTIMATE  OF  THE 
Population  of  the  United  States. 

The  northern  and  eastern  sections  of  the  Union  are  far  less 
favoured  by  nature  for  the  production  of  the  fruits  of  the  earth, 
than  the  southern  and  western.  And  hence  emigrations  are 
frequent,  and  the.  drain  of  inhabitants  great.  And  yet  the  fact 
is  evident,  that  in  New  England  the  population  is  constantly 
and  rapidly  increasing.  By  comparing  the  census  of  1810  with 
that  of  18:20,  we  pereeive  a  very  regular  progression,  and  with 
very  few  exceptions,  an  increase  equal  to  that  which  might  be 
expected,  even  without  the  loss  of  emigrants.  During  the  ten 
years  mentioned,  in  Maine,  the  most  barren  state  in  New  Eng 
land,  the  nett  gain  of  inhabitants  was  near  70,000  being  an  ad 
dition  of  nearly  one  third  of  its  former  numbers.  The  increase 
was  in  all  the  counties.  In  the  same  time  New  Hampshire 
pained  about  30,000,  being  an  increase  of  more  than  one  ninth 
of  her  former  numbers,  and  no  loss  in  eitber  of  her  counties. 
In  Vermont,  the  increase  was  about  18,000,  and  no  loss  in  any 
section  of  the  state.  In  Massachusetts,  the  gain  was  51,000, 
being  an  increase  of  about  one  eighth.  Berkshire  county  lost 
two  hundred  and  seventeen,  and  Duke's  county  gained  but  two. 
In  Rhode  Island,  the  gain  was  much  less  than  might  be  expect 
ed,  considering  the  flourishing  state  of  manufactures,  and  the 
encouragement  held  out  to  enterprise.  The  whole  increase 
was  hut  abouir<6,000,  being  one  twelfth  of  her  former  popula 
tion.  In  Newport  county,  the  loss  was  about  five  hundred. 
In  Connecticut,  the  gain  was  14,000,  being  an  increase  of  about 
one  twentieth  of  its  former  numbers.  Thus  the  nett  increase 
in  the  New  England  states,  during  ten  years,  was  183,000. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  399 

\Ve  come  now  (o*the  great  state  of  New  York,  which  is  di 
vided  into  four  large  district?,  viz.  South,  Middle,  Eastern,  and 
Western.  The  gain  of  inhabitants  in  the  South,  during  ten 
year;;,  Was  nearly  39.000,  of  which  New  York  city  and  county 
received  about  27.00Q.  The  gain  in  the  Middle  district  was 
37.000.  In  the  Eastern,  the  increase  was  23.000,  in  which  is 
Washington  county,  which  lost  during  this  time,  nearly  six 
thousand.  The  greatest  increment  was  in  the  Western  dis 
trict,  which  nearly  doubled  in  the  aggregate,  and  some  of  the 
counties  of  which,  more  than  tripled  their  former  numbers. 
St.  Lawrence,  Courtland,  Broome,  and  Ontario  doubled;  and 
Genesee  increased  more  than  fuur  fold.  The  "hole  gain  in  the 
state  was  413,763,  which  is  an  addition  to  the  census  of  1810, 
of  one  half,  wanting  a  fraction.  The  population  of  the  state 
may  now  be  fairly  estimated  at  sixteen  hundred  thousand.  New 
Jersey  exhibiis  a"  regular  progression,  having  ad-led  to  her  pop 
ulation  but  thirty-two  thousand,  each  of  the  counties  'uaving 
ccntribnted  about  a  fair  proportion.  The  addition  is  about  on* 
seventh  in  ten  years.  Pennsylvania  exhibits  a  considerable 
increase  during  this  period,  but  the  result  in  the  different  coun 
ties  is  verv  unequal.  Cleafiold,  Erie,  Jefferson.  M'Kean,  Tiog?, 
and  Warren,  have  about  cl-  .  :::i  some  of  them  more  than 

tripled  their  numbers,  while  Cumberland.  Daupnin,  and  North 
ampton,  have  lost  thousands,  and  Northumberland,  alone,  twen 
ty-one  thousand,  bein:*  three  thousand  more  thr.n  half  its  former 
inhabitant*.  The  whole  increment  to  the  slate  during  ten 
years,  was  239.307,  of  which  Philadelphia  city  and  county  claim 
nearly  twenty-six  thousand.  Delaware  had  gained  but  seven 
ty-five  during  this  time,  the  whole  population  in  1820,  amounting 
to  less  than  73,000.  In  Maryland,  the  following  counties  di 
minished  about  thirteen  thousand  in  ten  years,  viz.  Charles, 
Montgomery,  Harford,  Q,;;een  Ann,  and  Dorchester.  The 
whole  gain  in  the  state,  however,  was  near  twenty-seven  thou 
sand,  the  whole  population  being  more  than  four  hundred  and 
seven  thousand. 

Having  now  come  in  course  to  the  District  of  Columbia,  a 
particular  description  may  be  desirable,  at  least  so  far  as  the 
principal  city  is  worthy  of  note. 

Washington  city,  the  metropolis  of  the  United  States,  is 
pleasantly  situated  on  the  N.  E.  bank  of  the  river  Potomac,  at 
the  point  of  land  formed  by  the  junction  of  the  Eastern  branch, 
200  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  river,  and  3  miles  below  the 
head  of  the  tide.  It  is  separated  from  Georgetown  on  the  N. 
W.  by  Rock  creek,  and  Tyber  creek  passes  though  the  middle 
of  the  city.  Washington  is  regularly  laid  out  in  streets  running 
due  north  and  south,  intersected  by  others  at  risrht  angle?.  Be 
sides  these  streets,  which  are  from  SO  to  110  feet  wide,  there 


400  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

are  avenues,  from  130  to  160  feet  broad,* which  diverge  from 
centres  in  various  parts  of  the  city,  crossing  the  other  streets 
transversely.  At  the  points  from  which  the  avenues  diverge 
are  spacious  squares.  The  ground  embraced  in  the  plan  of  the 
city  is  very  exiensive,  but  only  a  small  portion  of  it  is  yet  occu 
pied  with  buildings. 

The  principal  public  buildings  and  establishments  aie,  1-  The 
Capitol,  which  is  finely  situated  on  an  eminence,  commanding 
a  view  of  every  part  of  the  city,  and  a  considerable  portion  of 
the  adjacent  country.  According  to  the  original  plan,  it  is  to 
be  composed  of  a  central  edifice  and  two  wings.  The  two  wings 
were  in  a  state  of  considerab  e  forwardness  io  1814,  when  the 
British  arn  y,  under  general  Ross,  gained  possession  of  the  city 
and  destroyed  (hem,  together  with  the  President's  house  end 
other  public  structures,  and  an  extensive  library,  which  had 
been  purchased  for  the  use  of  Congress.  The  \\ings  of  tt.e 
capitol  are  now  rebuilt,  and  the  centra]  building  has  been  com 
menced.  The  wings  are  each  100  feet  square,  and  the  whole 
building,  when  completed,  will  be  a  magnificent  edifice,  pre 
senting  a  front  of  862  feet.  2.  The  President's  house,  situated 
about  a  mile  and  a  half  west  of  the  capitol,  on  the  avenue  lead 
ing  to  Georgetown.  It  is  170  feet  by  85,  and  two  stories  high. 
3.  Four  spacious  buildings  erected  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Presi 
dent's  house,  for  the  accommodation  of  the  heads  of  the  great 
departments  of  government.  4.  An  extensive  navy  yard,  situ 
ated  on  the  Eastern  branch,  which  forms  a  safe  and  commodi 
ous  harbour.  5.  A  fort,  which,  from  the  extreme  southern 
point  of  the  land  on  which  the  city  stands,  commands  the  chan 
nel  of  the  Potomac,  and,  6.  the  general  post-office,  a  brick  edi 
fice,  about  a  mile  YV.  N.  YV.  of  the  capitol.  The  style  of  the 
architecture  of  the  capitol  is  Corinthian,  and  that  of  the  preai- 
dent's  house,  Ionic;  and  both  buildings  are  constructed  of  free 
clone.  The  capitol  square  is  enclosed  by  a  strong  and  handsome 
iron  railing;  and  being  planted  with  trees,  and  otherwise  or 
namented,  will  afford  a  delightful  walk  for  the  inhabitants  and 
visitors  of  the  city.  The  amount  expended  by  the  United  States 
on  the  public  buildings,  previously  to  their  destruction  by  the 
British,  in  August,  1814,  was  $1,214,291,  and  there  have  been 
appropriated  towards  rebuilding  the  same,  $1,207,783. 

Besides  the  buildings  and  establishments  above  enumerated, 
Washington  contains  a  city  hall,  a  theatre,  a  college,  4  hanks, 
several  manufacturing  establishments,  and  \2  houses  for  public 
worship,  3  for  Presbyteiians,  2  for  Episcopalians,  2  for  Baptists, 
2  for  Methodists,  2  for  Catholics,  and  1  for  Friends.  There  is 
a  Hridge  about  one  mile  long  over  the  Polornac,  three  over  the 
Eastern  Branch,  and  2  over  Rock  creek.  The  population  of 
Washington  in  1800  was  3,210;  in  1310,  8,208  ;  and  in  1820, 
13,247,  of  wLurn  3,741  were  blacks. 


THE   UNITED  STATBb.  40i 

The  whole  gain  in  the  district,  during  ten  years,    was  nine 
thousand. 

The  southern  states  except  Alabama,  Mississippi,  and  Lou 
isiana,  afford  but  small  inducements  for  the  settlement  of  emi 
grants.  The  two  former  have  considerably  increased,  and  the 
latter  nearly  doubled  her  numbers  in  ten  years.  Tennessee 
has  increabed  in  the  same  ratio,  and  Kentucky  has  gained  more 
than  fifteen  thousand  annually,  numbering  at  the  last  census 
nearly  six  hundred  thousand.  But  in  point  of  gain  in  num 
bers,"  Ohio  takes  the  lead  of  all  her  sister  states,  having  in 
creased  from  1810  to  1820,  350,674,  and,  at  the  last  census, 
was  noted  down  at  581, 434. 

Having  now  digressed  a  little  from  the  track  of  history,  with 
out  entirely  losing  our  way,  we  shall  return  to  the  thread  of 
our  work,  as  connected  more  particularly  with  the  doings  of 
our  government. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

President  Monroe's  Administration. 

Mr  Monroe  was  sworn  into  office  as  President  of  the  Uni'ed 
Slates,  on  the  fourth  of  March  1817,  and  entered  on  his  duties, 
under  favourable  auspices.  On  his  accession  to  the  presidency, 
tlie  country  was  in  a  prosperous  state.  War  had  ceased,  and 
with  it  much  of  the  asperity  of  political  excitement,  and  party 
bickering.  But  to  repair  the  losses  of  the  war,  and  to  regain 
the  commercial  prosperity  which  had  been  uearly  annihilated, 
was  not  the  work  of  a  moment.  Much  of  the  commerce  to 
which^our  attention  had  been  turned,  had  fallen  into  other 
hands,  and  ship  building  excepting  for  the  navy,  had  been  near 
ly  forgotten.  Our  country  was  inundated  by  foreign  fabrics, 
and  the  specie  which  had  been  borrowed  at  a  great  premium, 
was  fast  leaving  the  country.  But  still,  the  inaugural  address 
of  "the  president  was  encouraging,  and  he  anticipated  a  return 
of  our  former  prosperity. 

During  the  summer  and  autumn  of  1817,  the  president  made 
a  tour  through  the  northern  and  eastern  sections  of  the  union, 
where  his  presence  was  welcomed  with  the  greatest  cordiality, 
and  party  feeling  seemed  merged  in  national  patriotism.  But, 
in  this  journey,  the  national  interestg  were  a  principal  object. 
Large  sums  had  been  appropriated  by  the  national  legislature 
for  the  defence  of  the  sea  coast,  the  safety  of  our  inland  fron 
tier,  the  increase  of  the  navy,  and  the  establishments  of  nation- 

34* 


402  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

al  docks;  the  superintendence  of  which  was  committed  to  the 
president.  That  he  might  discharge  his  duties  with  fidelity  and 
judgment,  he  determined  to  obtain  the  necessary  information 
by  personal  observation.  From  Washington,  which  he  left  on 
the  first  of  June,  he  went  by  land  to  Boston,  passing  through 
the  principal  cities  on  his  route,  amidst  the  congratulations  and 
benedictions  of  a  happy  people.  From  Boston  where  he  spent 
several  days,  he  passed  through  Salem,  Nevvburyport,  and 
Portsmouth,  to  Portland,  whence  his  course  was  directed  to 
Plattsburg,  N.  Y.  This  important  post  occcupied  his  atten 
tion  several  days.  His  course  thence  was  directed  to  Detroit, 
through  Ogdensburg  and  Sacketts'  Harbour.  On  the  17th  of 
September,  he  arrived  at  Washington,  having  travelled  three 
thousand  miles  in  little  more  than  three  months. 

On  the  first  of  December,  congress  convened  ;  and  themes- 
sage  of  the  president  stated  that  our  national  credit  was  rising, 
and  that  the  defences  of  the  country  were  in  a  state  of  forward 
ness  ;  that  arrangements  were  made  with  Great  Britain,  to  re 
duce  the  naval  force  of  the  two  countries  on  the  lakes;  that  each 
country  was  to  retain  possession  of  the  islands  aa  before  the 
late  war ;  and  that  our  foreign  relations  were  of  a  pacific 
character.  He  also  specially  recommended  the  officers  and 
soldiers  of  the  revolutionary  army,  to  the  notice  of  congress-, 
and  pressingly  advocated  a  repeal  of  the  internal  duties,  as 
needless  to  be  continued  any  longer. 

Mississippi  was  admitted  into  the  union,  as  an  independent 
state,  on  the  eleventh,  with  the  usual  formalities.  In  the 
course  of  the  same  month,  an  expedition  which  had  been  set  oh 
foot  against  Florida,  by  foreign  adventurers,  was  checked  by 
the  troops  of  the  United  States.  The  actors  claimed  authority 
under  the  colonies  of  South  America,  and  had  formed  an  estab 
lishment  at  Amelia  Island,  a  Spanish  province.  The  Ameri 
can  government  therefore  saw  proper  to  take  possession  of  the 
island,  and  break  up  the  haunt  of  a  lawless  banditti. 

Another  establishment  similar  in  its  profession  and  practices, 
was  formed  at  Galvezton,  an  island  on  the  Texas  coast,  be 
longing  to  the  United  States.  Slaves  in  considerable  numbers 
were  thuaemuggled  into  the  country,  and  importations  of  goods 
were  made  through  the  same  channel,  in  a  clandestine  manner. 
A  naval  force,  with  troops  was  sent  against  them,  and  the 
island  surrendered  without  loss  of  blood. 

During  this  session  several  important  bills  passed  the  ordeal 
of  congress,  particularly  that  for  the  relief  of  revolutionary  of 
ficers  and  soldiers.  In  April  1818,  Illinois  adopted  a  state 
constitution,  and  in  December  following,  was  admitted  into  the 
union. 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  403 

In  May  1318,  the  president  left  Washington,  to  view  the  ex 
tensive  shores  of  the  Chesapeake  bay,  and  embarking  at  An* 
napolis,  examined  the  coast  and  wafers,  with  a  view  of  ascer 
taining  the  propriety  of  establishing  a  naval  depot  in  that  vicin 
ity,  and  having  accomplished  the  object  of  his  visit,  returned 
through  Virginia,  to  the  seat  of  government,  which  he  reached 
on  the  17th  of  June.  He  every  where  experienced  the  same 
welcome  reception  which  he  met  in  his  tour  through  the 
northern  states  during  the  preceding  year. 

On  the  27th  of  May,  the  president  and  senate  ratified  the 
treaty,  concluded  between  Mr.  Russel  and  the  Swedish  govern 
ment,  and  the  same  was  ratified  by  the  king  of  Sweden,  on 
the  24th  of  July  following. 

The  Seminofe  Indians,  urged  on  as  is  supposed  by  foreign 
emissaries  who  resided  among  them,  and  several  murders  were 
committed,  but  the  Indians  refused  to  give  up  the  guilty,  alle 
ging  that  the  whites  were  the  original  aggressors.  In  conse 
quence  of  this  refusal,  general  Gaines  was  ordered  to  remove, 
discretionaly,  such  Indians  as  were  still  on  the  lands  ceded  by 
the  Creeks  to  the  United  States. 

In  the  execution  of  this  order  one  man  and  woman  were  kil 
led,  and  two  women  made  prisoners.  Soon  after  this,  the  In 
dians  fired  on  a  second  detachment  who  resisted  them,  anj  a 
skirmish  ensued,  in  which  several  were  killed  and  wounded. 

Shortly  after  this  event,  Lieutenant  Scott,  with  a  detach 
ment  of  forty  men,  seven  women,  and  some  children,  ascen 
ding  the  Appalachicula,  with  supplies  for  the  garrison  at  Fort 
Scott,  were  attacked,  and  the  whole  party  killed,  excepting  six 
men,  who  made  their  escape,  anJ  a  woman  who  was  taken 
prisoner. 

From  this  time,  the  war  became  serious.  The  Indians,  in 
considerable  numbers,  were  embodied,  and  an  open  attack  was 
made  on  Fort  Scott,  to  which  general  Gaines  with  about  six 
hundred  regular  soldiers  \rasfor  a  time  confined.  Information 
of  tkis  state  of  things  being  communicated  to  the  department 
of  war,  general  Jackson  was  ordered,  Dec.  26,  to  take  the 
iieKl,  and  directed  if  he  should  deera  the  force  with  general 
Gaines,  amounting  to  one  thousand  and  eight  hundred  men, 
insufficient  to  cope  with  the  enemy,  "  to  call  on  the  executives 
of  the  adjacent  states  for  such,  an  additional  ruiliua  force  as  he 
might  deem  requisite."  Oa  the  receipt  of  this  order,  general 
Jackson  prepared  to  complj  ;  but  instead  of  calling  on  the  exe 
cutives  of  the  neighbouring  states,  especially  on  the  governour  of 
Tenaesse,  who  lived  near  his  residence,  he  addressed  a  circu 
lar  to  the  patriots  of  West  Tennessee,  inviting  one  thousand  of 
them  to  join  his  standard. 


4Q4  UNIVERSAL    HISTORY  OF 

At  the  same  time  he  wrote  to  the  governour  of  Tennessee, 
M'Minn,  informing  him  of  the  apj.eal  he  had  made  to  the  men 
xvhom  he  had  led  to  victory  on  the  plains  of  Talledega,  Emuck- 
fau,  and  Tohopeko,  and  added,  "  should  the  appeal  prove  inef 
ficacious,  I  will  embrace  the  earliest  opportunity  of  making  the 
requisition  on  you  for  a  like  number  of  drafted  militia."  The 
call  of  general  Jackson  was  promptly  obeyed,  and  the  thousand 
volunteers,  officered  by  the  general,  or  by  the  volunteers  them 
selves,  were  ordered  to  Fort  Scott. 

Before  taking  up  his  march,  he  wrote,  Jan.  12th,  to  the  sec 
retary  of  war,  apprising  him  of  the  appeal  he  had  made  to  the 
Tennt'ssceans,  assigning  as  his  reason  for  such  a  step,  that  he 
deernod  I  he  force  with  general  Gaines,  one  thousand  eight 
hundred,  insufficient,  and  "  that  the  greater  portion  of  this 
number  were  drafted  militia  from  Georgia,  who  might  apply 
for  their  discharge  at  the  expiraU  >n  of  three  months  from  the 
time  they  were  mustered,"  aboul  the  dine  he  should  probably 
reach  Fort  Scott.  To  this  commutwcation  the  secretary  re 
plied — "  I  have  the  honour  to  acquaint  you  of  the  entire  appro 
bation  of  the  president,  of  all  the  measures  which  you  have 
adopted  to  terminate  the  rupture  with  the  Indians." 

Believing  that  the  Seminoles  could  not  be  subdued,  unless 
they  were  followed  into  Florida,  general  Jackson  marched  up 
on  St.  Marks,  a  weak  garrison,  where  a  portion  of  them  had 
taken  refuge.  Possession  of  the  fort  was  taken  easily, and  oc 
cupied  by  Jackson  as  an  American  post.  The  main  army  then 
marched  to  Stiwanoy  river,  where  they  consumed  an  lu 
dian  village.  At  this  time  the  court,  martial  was  held,  at  which 
Alexander  Arbuthnot,  and  Robert  C.  Ambrister  were  tried  and 
condemned  to  death.  Two  Ind.aa  chief's  were  hung  without 
trial.  The  following  is  extracted  from  the  doings  of  the  court. 

"  The  court,  on  examination  of  evidence,  and^on  mature  de 
liberation,  find  the  prisoner,  Robert  C.  Ambrister,  guilty  of  the 
first  and  second  charges,  and  do  therefore  sentence  him  to  suf 
fer  death  by  being1  shot.  The  members  requesting  a  reconsid 
eration  of  the  vote  on  this  sentence,  and  it  being  had,  they 
sentence  the  prisoner  to  receive  fifty  siripes  on  his  bare  hack, 
and  be  confined  with  a  ball  and  chain,  to  hard  labour  for 
twelve  caltndar  months.  The  commanding  general  approves 
the  finding1  and  sentence  of  the  .court,  in  the  case  of  A.  Ar 
buthnot,  and  approves  the  finding  ami  first  sentence  of  the 
court,  in  the  ease  of  Robert  C.  Aoibrister,  and  disapproves  the 
reconsideration  of  the  sentence  of  the  honourable  court  in  this 
case. 

"  It  appears  from  the  evidence  and  pleading  of  the  prisoner, 
that  he  did  lead  and  command  within  the  territory  of  Spain, 
(being  a  subject  of  Great  Britain,)  the  Indians  in  war  against 


THE  UMTED  STATES.  405 

the  United  Slates,  those  nations  beia^  at  peace.  It.  is  an  es 
tablished  principle  of  the  laivs  of  nations,  that  any  individual  of 
a  nation,  making  war  against  th«  ci  izens  of  any  other  nation, 
they  being"  at  peace,  forfeits  his  allegiance,  and  becomes  an  out 
law  and  pirate.  This  is  the  case  of  Robert C.  Ambrisler  clear 
ly  shown  by  the  evidence  adduced. 

'*  The  commanding-  genera!  orders  that  brevet  Major  A.  C. 
D.  Fanning-,  of  the  coips  of  artillery,  will  have  betweea  the 
hours  of  eig:it  and  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.  A.  Arbuthnot  suspen 
ded  by  the  neck  with  a  rope,  un'il  he  is  dead,  and  Robert  O 
Ambrister  to  be  shot  to  death.,  agreeably  to  the  sentence  of  tho 
court." 

General  Jick^on  soon  received  information,  that  the  gover 
nor  of  Pensacola  favourtd  the  Indians,  on  the  knowledge  of 
which,  he  took  up  the  line  of  march  for  the  capital,  where  he 
arrived,  at  the  end  of  twenty  days.  The  place  was  taken  with 
hardly  a  show  of  resistance.  The  governor  having  escaped  to 
Barancas,  a  fort  six  miles  d:sUuu,  it  was  invested  by  the  Amer 
ican  troops,  and  taken,  after  a  resistance  of  two  days,  the  troops 
being  transported  to  Havana.  A  military  government  was  iu- 
siituted  ot  W:]icii  information  wa^  given  to  the  secretary  of 
wir. — The  president,  however,  soon  restored  the  country  to 
the  Spaniards,  giving1  the  reasons  for  its  occupation, 

Tue  singular  ptevs  taken  by  the  commanding  general  in 
this  affair — excited  considerable  sensaiions  in  tne  minds  of 
Americans,  and  the  subj  /c  s  of  complaint  were  brought  before 
congress.  A  military  committee  censuied  his  conduct,  but  tiie 
iiouse  d'u  not  concur. 

Li  January,  1019,  a  convention  between  the    Uui'.eJ    States 
aud  Great  Britain,  was  sane  ioned  by  the  president,  and  ratified 
by  the  Prince  Regent  i;i  November  fjiijvving.     Tiie  first    arti 
cle  of  this  instrument,  gave  liberty  to  the  citizens  01  the  I 
States,  to   take  fish  on   the    northern,   western,   aod    So,. 
banks  ui'  Newfoundland.     By  the  second,  the  northern  bounda 
ries  of  the  United  States,  from  the  Lake  of  the  Woods  to   t:,e 
fctoney    Mountains  were  established.     Tne  fourth  extended  the 
term  of  tiie    convention  of  1315,  relative   to   Commerce,   ten 
years  longer 

In  February  f  .llowin*.  East  and  West  Florida,  with  the  ad 
jacent  islands,  were  ceded  to  the  United  States  by  Spa  u. 
This  treaty  settled  the  boundaiios  between  the  two  countri-a. 
Bui  tne  raMficatio.i  of  this  treaty  w.is  delayed  by  the  king  of 
Spain,  under  preience  that  an  expedition  against  Texas  had 
been  fitted  out  by  the  United  Slates.  Tne  necessary  explaua- 
ti  ns  were  mide  by  thte  president,  an  1  a  bill  was  introduced  in 
to  Congress,  to  take  pjs^e-sion  of  Florida,  but  the  step  was  not 
takwn,  and  iu  October,  the  t;eaty  was  ratified  by  the  king  of 


406  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

Spain.  Formal  possession  was  given  to  the  United  States  in 
July  following. 

In  the  Spring  of  1819,  Arkansas  was  admitted  into  the  union 
as  an  independent  state.  During  the  summer,  the  president 
visited  the  southern  section  of  the  United  States,  with  a  view 
to  the  great  interests  of  the  nation.  He  passed  through 
Charleston,  Savannah,  Augusta,  Nashville,  the  Cherokee  na 
tion,  Louisville,  Lexington,  and  thence  returned  to  Washing 
ton.  In  December,  Alabama  was  admitted  into  the  union. 
This  territory  having  long  been  a  bone  of  contention,  we  add 
the  following  :  — 

After  the  peace  of  1783,  Georgia  laid  claim  to  this  terrrito- 
ry,  and  exercised  jurisdiction  over  it,  until  the  beginning  of  the 
present  century.  In  1795,  an  act  passed  the  legislature  of 
Georgia,  by  which  twenty  five  millions  of  acres,  of  its  western 
territory,  were  sold  to  companies  for  five  hundred  thousand 
dollars,  and  the  purchase  money  was  paid  into  the  treasury. 
The  purchasers  of  these  lands  soon  after  sold  them  at  advanced 
prices.  The  sale  of  the  territory  excited  a  warm  opposition  in 
Georgia,  and  at  a  subsequent  meeiit.ig  of  the  legislature,  the 
transaction  was  impeached  on  the  ground  of  bribery,  corruption, 
and  unconstitutionally.  The  records  respecting  the  sale  were 
ordered  to  be  burnt,  and  the  five  hundred  thousand  dollars  to 
be  refunded  to  the  purchasers.  Those  who  had  acquired  titles 
of  the  original  purchasers  instituted  suiis  in  the  federal  courts. 
In  1802,  however,  Georgia  ceded  to  the  United  States  all  her 
western  territory,  for  one  million,  two  hundred  and  fifty  thou 
sand  dollars.  On  this  event,  the  purchasers  of  the  Ynzoo  land 
petitioned  congress  for  redress  and  compensation.  After  con 
siderable  opposition,  an  act  passed  for  reiaibursing  them  with 
funded  stock,  called  the  ML-sit-tippi  stock. 

In  the  following  year,  Maine,  which  had  formerly  belonged 
to  Massachusetts  was  erected  into  an  independent  state,  and 
joined  the  federal  Union.  The  separation  from  the  parent 
state  was  on  the  most  amicable  terms. 

Mr.  Monroe  having  been  re-elected  president,  took  the  usunl 
oath  of  office  on  the  5th  of  March,  1821,  and  Mr.  Tornpkins 
was  again  elected  vice  president.  On  the  10th  of  August,  the 
proclamation  of  the  president  announced,  that  Missouri  was  ad 
mitted  into  the  federal  compact  as  an  integral  part. 

Upon  the  cession  of  Louisiana  to  the  United  States,  the  dis 
trict,  which  now  loans  the  state  of  Louisiana,  was  separated 
from  the  territory  and  made  a  distinct  government,  by  thejiame 
'of  the  territory  of  Orleans.  In  1811,  the  territory  of  Orleans 
became  a  state,  by  the  name  of  Louisiana.  The  remaining 
part  of  the  original  provir.ee  of  Louisiana,  extending  to  the 
Pacific,  was  erected  into  a  territorial  government,  and  called 


THE  UNITED   STATES.  407 

Missouri.  In  1818-19,  application  was  made  to  congress,  by 
the  people  of  this  territory,  to  form  a  state  constitution.  A  bill 
was  accordingly  introduced,  for  the  purpose,  a  provision  of 
which  forbade  slavery  or  involuntary  servitude.  The  bill,  with 
this  provision,  passed  the  house  of  representatives,  but  was  re 
jected  in  the  senate,  and,  in  consequence  of  this  disagreement, 
the  measure,  for  the  time,  failed.  In  the  session  of  1819-20, 
the  bill  was  revived:  and,  after  lonir  and  animated  debates,  a 
compromise  was  effected,  by  which  slavery  was  (o  be  tolerated 
in  Missouri,  and  forbidden  in  all  that  part  of  Louisiana,  as  ce 
ded  by  Franco,  lying  north  of  36°  30'  north  latitude,  excep*.  so 
much  as  was  included  within  the  limits  of  the  state.  In  the 
meantime,  the  people  of  Missouri  had  formed  a  state  constitu 
tion.  When  this  constitution  was  presented  to  congress,  in 
lu-20-21,  a  provision  in  it,  which  required  the  legislature  to  pass 
laws,  "•  to  prevent  free  negroes  and  mulattoes  from  coming  to, 
and  settling  in  the  state,"  was  strenuously  opposed,  on  the 
ground  that  it  violated  the  rights  of  such  persons  of  that  descrip 
tion,  as  were  citizens  of  any  of  the  United  States.  The  contest 
occupied  a  great  part  of  the  session,  and  it  was  finally  deter 
mined,  by  a  small  majority,  that  Missouri  should  be  admitted, 
upon  the  fundamental  condition,  that  the  contested  clause 
should  not  be  construed  to  authorise  the  passage  of  any  laws, 
excluding  citizens  of  other  sta'es  from  enjoying  rhe  privileges 
to  which  they  are  entitled,  by  the  constitution  of  the  United 
States.  It  was  also  provided,  that  if  the  legislature  of  Missouri 
should,  by  a  solemn  public  act,  previously  to  the  4ih  Monday  of 
November,  1821,  declare  the  assent  of  the  state  to  this  funda 
mental  condition,  the  president  should  issue  his  proclamation, 
declaring  the  admission  complete.  On  the  24th  of  June,  1821, 
the  legislature  of  Missouri  assented  to  the  fundamen'al  condi 
tion  ;  and  on  the  10th  of  August  following,  the  president's  pro 
clamation  was  issued,  declaring  the  admission  complete. 

During  the  first  session  of  the  seventeenth  Congress,  a  terri 
torial  government  was  established  for  Florida.  At  the  opening 
of  the  second  session,  the  president  informed  Congress,  that,  in 
June,  a  convention  of  navigation  and  commerce,  resting  essen 
tially  on  a  basis  of  reciprocal  and  equal  advantage  to  the  t»ro 
countries,  had  b^en  concluded  betv  een  France  and  the  United 
States  ; — that  the  prohibition,  which  had  been  imposed  on  com 
merce,  between  the  United  States  and  the  British  colonies,  in 
the  West  Indies  and  on  ti.is  continent,  had  been  removed,  and 
that  the  ports  of  those  colonies  had  been  opened  to  the  vessels 
of  the  United  States,  by  an  act  of  the  British  parliament. 

In  a  second  message,  a  few  days  subsequently,  the  president 
introduced  to  the  notice  of  congress  the  interesting  subject  of 
the  "  multiplied  outrages  and  depredations,  recently  committed 


408  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OP 

on  our  seamen  and  commerce  by  pirates,  in  the  West  Indie§ 
and  Gulf  of  Mexico,"  and  recommended  the  immediate  organi 
zation  of  an  efficient  force  to  suppress  them.  A.  bill  was  ac 
cordingly  inlroduced,  authorizing  the  president  to  provide  such 
a  force,  and  to  despatch  it  immediately  to  the  protection  of  our 
persecuted  seamen. 

Immediately  after  the  passage  of  the  above  bill,  commodore 
Porter  w/as  appointed  to  this  service,  and,  soon  afler,  hoisting 
his  broad  pendant  on  board  the  Peacock,  stretched  his  way, 
with  a  respectable  force,  to  chastise  those  miscreants,  that  re 
gard  no  law,  and  that  feel  no  mercy. 

This  session  closed  on  the  3d  of  March,  1823,  in  which  little 
business  of  general  importance  had  been  transacted. 

At  the  opening  of  the  first  session  of  the  eighteenth  Congress 
in  December,  the  president  spoke  in  high  terms  of  the  pros 
perous  state  of  the  finances,  and  of  our  amicable  relations  with 
foreign  nations.  In  relation  to  the  efforts  of  the  executive,  to 
stop  the  depredations  of  pirates  on  the  national  commerce,  the 
president  stated,  that  in  ihe  West  Indies,  and  the  gulf  of  Mexi 
co,  the  naval  force  had  been  augmented,  according  to  the  pro 
visions  of  Congress.  "  This  armament,"  said  he,  .''has  been 
eminently  successful  in  the  accomplishment  of  its  object.  The 
piracies  by  which  our  commerce  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the 
island  of  Cuba  had  been  afflicted,  have  been  repressed,  and  the 
confidence  of  the  merchants  in  a  great  measure  restored." 

In  allusion  to  the  Greek  revolution,  the  president  has  the 
following  judicious  remarks  ;  and  though  his  half-prophetic 
wishes  are  not  yet  realised,  the  prospect  that  they  will  soun  be 
is  certainly  a  bright  one.  "  A  strong  hope  has  been  long  en 
tertained,  founded  on  the  heroic  struggle  of  the  Greeks,  that 
they  would  succeed  in  their  contest,  and  resume  their  equal 
station  among  (he  nations  of  the  earth.  It  is  believed  that  the 
whole  civilized  world  takes  a  deep  interest  in  their  wel 
fare.  Although  no  power  has  declared  in  their  favour,  yet 
none,  according  to  our  information,  has  taken  part  against  them. 
Their  cause  and  their  name  have  protected  ihem  from  dangers, 
which  might,  ere  this,  have  overwhelmed  any  other  people. 
The  ordinary  calculations  of  interest,  and  of  acquisition,  with  a 
view  to  aggrandizement,  which  mingle  so  much  in  the  trans-ac 
tions  of  nations,  seem  to  have  had  no  effect  in  regard  to  them. 
From  the  facts  which  have  come  to  our  knowledge,  there  is 
good  cause  to  believe  that  their  enemy  has  lost,  forever,  all  do 
minion  over  them — that  Greece  will  again  become  an  indepen 
dent  nation.  That  she  may  obtain  that  rank,  is  the  object  of 
our  most  ardent  wishes. 

Speaking  of  Spain  and  Portugal,  in  relation  to  the  attempts 
of  the  *'  Holy  Alliance"  to  extend  their  political  system  to  South 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  409 

America.  But  on  this  topic,  the  executive  observed,  "  The  cit 
izens  of  the  United  States  cherish  sentiments  the  most  friendly  in 
favor  of  the  liberty  and  happiness  of  their  fellow  men  on  that  side 
of  the  Atlantic.  In  the  wars  of  the  European  powers,  in  matters 
relating  to  themselves,  we  have  never  taken  any  part,  nor  does  it 
comport  with  our  policy  so  to  do.  It  is  only  when  our  rights  are 
invaded,  or  seriously  menaced,  that  we  resent  injuries,  or  make 
preparation  for  our  defence.  With  the  movements  in  this  hemi 
sphere,  we  are,  of  necessity,  more  immediately  connected,  and  by 
causes  which  must  be  obvious  to  all  enlightened  and  impartial  ob 
servers.  The  political  system  of  the  allied  powers  is  essentially 
different,  in  this  respect,  from  that  of  America.  This  difference 
proceeds  from  that  which  exists  in  their  respective  governments. 
And  to  the  defence  of  our  own,  which  has  been  achieved  by  the 
loss  of  so  much  blood  and  treasure,  and  matured  by  the  wisdom 
of  their  most  enlightened  citizens,  and  under  which  we  have  en 
joyed  unexampled  felicity,  this  whole  nation  is  devoted.  We 
owe  it,  therefore,  to  candour,  and  to  the  amicable  relations  ex 
isting  between  the  United  States  and  those  powers,  to  declare, 
that  we  should  consider  any  attempt,  on  their  part,  to  extend 
their  system  to  any  portion  of  this  hemisphere,  as  dangerous  to 
our  peace  and  safety.  With  existing  colonies  or  dependencies 
of  any  European  power,  we  have  not  interfered,  and  shall  not 
interfere.  But  with  the  governments  who  fcave  declared  their 
independence  and  maintained  it.  and  whose  independence  we 
have,  on  great  consideration  and  on  just  principles,  acknowledg 
ed,  we  could  not  view  any  interposition  for  the  purpose  of  op-, 
pressing  them,  or  controlling,  in  any  other  manner,  their  desti 
ny,  by  any  European  power,  in  any  other  light  than  as  the 
manifestation  of  an  unfriendly  disposition  towards  the  United 
States.  In  the  war  between  those  new  governments  and  Spain, 
we  declared  our  neutrality  at  the  time  of  their  recognition,  and 
to  this  we  have  adhered,  and  shall  continue  to  adhere,  provided 
no  change  shall  occur,  which,  in  the  judgment  of  the  competent 
authority  of  this  government,  shall  make  a  corresponding 
change  on  the  part  of  the  United  States  indispensable  to  their 
security." 

To  this  language,  so  temperate,  just,  and  independent,  ever} 
good  citizen  responded,  amen.  His  remarks  on  the  state  of  the 
country,  in  the  same  message,  are  too  valuable  to  be  omitted. 

"If  we  compare  the  piesent  condition  of  our  union  with  its 
actual  state  at  the  close  of  our  revolution,  the  history  of  the 
world  furnishes  no  example  of  a  progress  in  improvement  in  all 
the  important  circumstances  which  constitute  the  happiness  of 
a  nation,  which  bears  any  resemblance  to  it.  At  the  first  epoch 
our  population  did  not  exceed  three  millions.  By  the  last  cen 
sus  it  amounted  to  about  ten  millions  ;  and,  what  is  more  ex- 
35 


410  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

traordinary,  it  is  almost  altogether  native,  for  the  emigration 
from  other  countries  has  been  inconsiderable.     At  the  first 
epoch,  half  the  territory  within  our  acknowledged  limits,  was 
uninhabited  and  a  wilderness.     Since  then,  new  territory  has 
been  acquired,  of  vast  extent,  comprising  within  it  many  rivers, 
particularly  the    Mississippi,  the  navigation   of  which  to  the 
ocean,  was  of  the  highest  importance  to  the  original  states. 
Over  this  territory  our  population  has  expanded  in  every  direc 
tion,  and   new   states  have  been  established,  almost  equal,  in 
number,  to  those    which  formed  the  first  bond  of  our  union, 
This  expansion  of  our  population,  and  accession  of  new  states 
to  our  union,  have  had  the  happiest  effect  on  all  its  higher  in 
terests.     That  it  has  eminently  augmented  our  resources,  and 
added  to  our  strength  and  respectability,  as  a  power,  is  admitted 
by  all.     But  it  is  not  in  these  important  circumstances  only,  that 
this  happy  effect  is  felt.     It  is  manifest,  that,  by  enlarging  the 
basis  of  our  system,  and  increasing  the  number  of  states,  the 
system  itself  has  been  greatly  strengthened  in  both  its  branch 
es.     Consolidation  and  disunion  have  thereby  been  rendered 
equally  impracticable.     Each  government,  confiding  in  its  own 
strength,  has  less  to  apprehend  from  the  other;  and,  in  conse 
quence,  each  enjoying  a  greater  freedom  of  action,  is  rendered 
more  efficient  for  all  the  purposes  for  which  it  was  instituted. :v 
The  sympathy  expressed  by  the  president  for  the  sufferings 
of  the  Greeks,  called  forth  a  resolution  from  Mr.  Webster,  pro 
viding  for  the  expenses  of  an  agent  to  Greece,  whenever  the 
executive  should  drem  the  appointment  proper,  and  expedient. 
In  offering  the  resolution,  Mr.  Webster  stated,  it  was  far  from 
being  his  wish,  in  any  manner,  to  commit  the  House,  in  this  or 
any  of  the  political  contests  of  Europe;  but  the  president  of  the 
United  Stases  having,  in  his  message  to  Congress,  not  only  ex 
pressed  a  belief  that  the  Greek  nation  in  its  present  struggle 
with  its  opposers,  had  the  good  wishes  of  the  whole  civilized 
world,  but  also  advanced  the  opinion  that  the  Turkish  dominion 
over  that  country  was  lost  forever ;    he  thought  that   if  such 
were  the  fact,  it  was  important  that  Congress  should  act  upon 
the  subject.     The  main  object  in  view  was  to  obtain  from  the 
'  House  an  expression,  responsive  to  the  sentiment  of  the  mes 
sage,  in  reference  to  the  sacrifices  and  sufferings  of  that  heroic 
people — sacrifices  and   sufferings,  which  ought   to  excite  the 
sympathy  of  every  liberal  minded  man  in  Europe,  as  well  as  in 
this  country.     But  whatever  might  be  the  case  with  other  na 
tions,  we  certainly,  ought  not  to  be  restrained  from  expressing, 
'with  freedom,  what  are  our  views  in  relation  to  the  Greek 
cause,  so  far  as  may  be  done  without  committing  ourselves  in 
tbe  contest.     And   he  really  did  hope  that  we  should  shew  to 
the  world,  that  there  is  at  least,  one  government  which  does 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  411 

entertain  a  proper  view  of  that  barbarous  despotism,  which, 
jnder  the  eyes  of  Europe,  has  been  permitted,  by  a  system  of 
the  foulest  atrocity,  to  attempt  to  crush  an  interesting  Christian 
nation. 

In  most  of  our  large  towns  and  literary  institutions,  meetings 
were  held  in  reference  to  this  subject,  and  resolutions  adopted, 
expressive  of  sentiments  alike  honourable  to  our  citiz-  ns  as 
members  of  a  free  community,  and  as  friends  of  humanity. 
They  spoke  a  language  worthy  of  the  cause  which  called  them 
forth,  and  such  a?  the  circumstances  of  the  age  require.  They 
are  a  proof,  too,  of  the  existence,  and  the  energy  of  that  princi 
ple  in  the  American  people,  which  removes  them  farther  from 
the  supporters  of  legitimacy,  than  the  breadth  of  the  Atlantic, 
and  is  a  safer  bulwark  than  its  billows. 

From  that  time  to  the  present,  large  contributions  have  been 
made  in  the  United  States,  and  forwarded  to  the  proper  au 
thorities  of  thai  oppressed  and  ill-fated  country.  At  present, 
the  armies  of  Russia  threaten  the  capital  of  Turkey,  and  little 
doubt  remains  ofthe  emancipation  of  the  Greeks. 

The.  session  of  congress  closed  in  May,  1824  ;  the  most  im- 
poitant  bills  which  passed,  being  one  to  abolish  imprisonment 
for  debt,  and  the  other  establishing  a  tariff  of  duties  on  imports. 
The  latter  of  these,  occupied  the  time  of  congress  during  ten 
weeks,  and  at  last  passed  by  a  majority  of  five  only,  two  rnem- 
orily  being  absent. 

On  th$  16th  of  August,  the  marquis  La  Fayette,  accompan 
ied  by  his  son,  and  M    L.  Vasseur   his  secretary,  landed  in  New 
York,  where  he  was  welcomed  in  a   manner   which   evinced   a 
sensf  of  national  gratitude,  never  surpassed. 

k-  From  New  York,  La  Fayette  passed  through  the  country 
to  Boston,  constantly  receiving  the  most  enthusiastic  congrat 
ylations  ofthe  people.  Not  onl\  at  every  place  where  he  stop 
ped,  but  as  he  passed  along  the  road,  thousands  came  to  catch 
a  glimpse  of  him,  and  bid  "  Welcome  La  Fayette."  Having- 
visited  most  of  the  principal  towns  in  Massachusetts,  New 
Hampshire,  RhoHe  Island,  and  Connnecticut,  he  again  returned 
to  New  York.  During- 'his  tour,  it  is  impossible  to  convey  in 
general  terms  an  adequate  idea  of  the  excitement  into  which 
the  country  was  thrown.  Committees  were  constantly  arri 
ving  from  distant,  towns  at  the  places  where  he  stopped,  to 
solicit  the  honour  of  receiving  him,  and  to  know  on  what  day 
and  at  what  hour  his  arrival  might  be  expected.  In  some  in 
stances,  gentlemen  residing  at  a  distance  from  his  route,  di 
rected  the  news  of  his  approach  to  be  sent  them  by  expresses. 
Meantime  the  General  was  so  obliging  as  to  allow  himself  to 
be  transported  with  the  utmost  rapidity  from  place  to  place, 
iften  travelling  most  ofthe  night,  so  as  not  to  disappoint  the 


412  -    UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

anxious  expectations  of  the  people.  From  New  York  the 
General  went  to  Philadelphia,  Baltimore,  Washington,  &c. 
constantly  receiving  from  the  people  the  same  cordial  wel 
come,  and  witnessing  the  same  demonstrations  of  joy  wherever 
he  went. 

But  the.  feelings  of  the  nation  demanded  that  something 
more  should  be  done  for  general  La  Fayette,  than  could  be  ex 
pressed  by  acclamation  alone.  This  love  of  liberty  had  been 
the  means  of  depriving  him  of  a  great  proportion  of  his  fortune. 
When,  during  our  revolution,  the  country  was  so  exhausted  as 
to  be  unable  to  clothe  or  feed  her  little  army,  La  Fayette  not 
only  gave  all  his  pay  to  government,  but  advanced  money 
which  never  was  refunded  :  so  that,  in  addition  to  the  debt  of 
gratitude,  the  nation  owed  him  for  advancements  made  during 
her  necessities.  It  was  the  exercise  of  the  same  leading  prin 
ciple,  (the  love  ofliberty)  which  occasioned  the  confiscation  of 
his  estates  in  France,  when  the  jacobin  faction  controlled  the 
kingdom. 

Under  every  consideration,  the  nation  was  bound  to  shew 
La  Fayette,  and  the  world,  that  in  the  prosperity  of  IPS  adop 
ted  countr},  his  former  services  were  remembered  with  too 
much  gratitude  to  be  passed  over  without  some  permanent  mark 
of  national  beneficence. 

The  president  of  the  United  States,  therefore,  in  his  message 
(o  Congress,  at  the  opening  of  the  last  session,  recommended 
in  appropriate  terms,  the  consideration  of  general  La  Fayette's 
eminent  services  to  the  country,  and  requested  thai  the  legis 
lative  body  of  the  nation  would  devise  some  means  of  making 
him  at  least  a  partial  remuneration.  Agreeably  to  this  recom 
mendation,  Congress  appointed  i  committee  to  deliberate  on 
the  subject,  and  on  the  20th  of  December,  lk  Mr.  Hayne,  from 
the  committe  appointed  on  so  much  of  the  President's  message 
as  relates  to  making  provision  of  the  services  of  general  La 
Fayette,  reported  the  following  bill  : — 

"  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  oj 
the  United  States  in  Congress  assembled,  That  the  sum  of  two 
hundred  thousand  dollars  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  granted 
to  major  general  La  Fayette,  in  compensation  for  his  important 
services  and  expenditures  during  the  American  Revolution  ; 
and  that  for  this  purpose  a  stock  to  that  amount  be  issued  in 
his  favour,  dated  the  4th  of  July,  1824,  bearing  an  annual  inter 
est  of  six  percent,  payable  quarter  yearly,  and  redeemable  on 
the  31st  of  December,  1834,. 

"  Sect.  2.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  one  complete 
Township  of  land  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  granted  to  the 
said  major  general  La  Fayette  ;  and  that  the  president  of  the 
United  States  be  authorised  to  cause  the  said  township  to  be 


,      THE    UNITED  STATES.  413 

located  on  any  of  the  public  lands  which  remain  unsold  ;    and 
that  patents  be  issued  to  general  La  Fasette  for  the  same." 

On  the  21st  this  b:li  was  made  the  order  of  the  day  in  the 
Senate,  and  the  following  debate  on  it,  extracted  from  the 
journals  of  Congress,  will  tend  to  shew  with  how  much  reason 
the  bill  was  passed  : 

Senate,  Tuesday,  December  21 . 

"  The  Senate  proceeded,  as  in  committee  of  the  whole  to 
the  consideration  of  the  bill  making  provision  for  the  services 
and  expenditures  of  general  La  Fayette. 

Mr.  Hayue,  (of  S.  C.)  in  reply  to  Messrs.  Macon  and  Brown 
who  objected  to  the  bill,  remarked,  that  the  observations  made 
by  the  honourable  gentlemen,  rendered  it  his  duty,  though  it 
was  done  with  regret,  as  he  had  hoped  the  bill  would  pass  with 
out  opposition,  as  chairman  of  the  committee,  to  submit  the 
principle  on  which  the  committee  had  proceeded  in  presenting 
the  present  bill.  He  trusted  that  he  should  be  able  to  satisfy 
the  scruples  of  the  Hon.  gentlemen,  and  that  there  would  be 
no  necessity  of  recommitting  the  bill. 

With  regard  to  the  onjections  made  by  his  friend  on  his 
right,  (Mr.  M  icon,;  they  affected  the  making  any  compensa 
tion,  under  any  circumstances  whatever,  to  individuals,  either 
for  services  renderejl  or  sacrifices  made.  He  understood  he 
had  said,  i<  was  immaterial  whether  an  individual  should  have 
spent  his  substance  in  the  service  of  his  country — should  have 
put  his  hand  in  his  purse  and  paid  the  expenses  of  the  war, 
still  that  for  such  services  no  compensation  could  be  made. 

He  could  show  that  this  was  the  fact — that  it  was  precisely 
the  case  with  regard  to  general  La  Fayette.  He  had  ex 
pended  his  fortune  in  our  service,  and  he  should  contend  it  was 
right,  it  was  necessary — they  were  called  on  by  duty  to  them 
selves,  at  least  to  -efund  the  expenses  10  which  he  had  been 
subjected.  Mr.  Hayne  proceeded  to  «ay,  that  he  held  docu 
ments  in  his  hand  which  it  became  his  duty  to  submit  to  the 
Senate — documents  derived  from  the  highest  authority.  The 
paper  held  in  his  hand  contained  accounts  from  the  proper  offi 
cers,  showing  the  expenses  of  La  Fayette,  and  pointing  out 
the  manner  in  which  his  estate  had  been  dissipated  in  the  ser 
vice  of  liberty.  In  the  year  1777,  he  had  an  annual  income  of 
146,000  francs,  equal  to  28,700  dollars.  This  had  been  almost 
entirely  expended  in  the  Cervices  which  he  had  rendered  to  li 
berty,  in  this  and  the  other  hemisphere.  During  a  period  of 
six  years,  from  the  v^ir  1777.  to  1783,  he  had  expended  in  the 
American  service,  700000  francs,  equal  to  140,000  dollars. 
This  document,  said  Mr.  Hayne,  is  derived  from  the  most  au- 
'hentic  sources  in  France,  and  is  come  into  my  hands  from  a 
35* 


4 1 4  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

respectable  member  of  this  House,  without  the  knowledge  or 
consent  of  the  General  and  his  friends. 

The  fact  to  which  he  called  their  attention,  was,  that  during 
the  six  years  the  General  had  been  engaged  in  the  service,  he- 
had  expended  140,000  dollars  of  his  fortune  ;  he  was  in  a  state 
of  prosperity,  and  in  the  enjoyment  of  a  plentiful  fortune  in  his 
own  country,  when  he  resolved  to  come  to  this.  He  purchased 
a  ship,  raised,  equipped,  armed  and  clothed  a  regiment  at  his 
own  expense,  and  when  he  landed  on  these  coasts,  he  came 
freighted  with  the  munitions  of  war,  which  he  distributed  gra 
tuitously  lo  our  army.  It  is  on  record  that  he  clothed  and  put 
shoes  on  the  feet  of  the  naked,  suffering,  soldiers  of  America, 
and  that  during  six  years  he  sacrificed  140,000  dollars.  He 
fisked  for  no  compensation — he  made  out  no  account — he  re- 
cieved  no  pay — he  spent  his  fortune  for  this  country,  and  not 
only  gave  his  services,  but  hazarded  his  life  in  its  defence,  shed 
his  blood  in  its  service,  and  returned  home  broken  in  his  for 
tune.  What  did  Government  do  ?  After  the  war,  in  1794, 
they  gave  him  the  full  pay  of  a  Major  General,  to  which  he  was 
entitled  twelve  or  fourteen  years  before.  If  any  Americaa 
citizen  had  done  as  much  and  had  brought  in  an  account  stating 
he  had  expended  140.000  dollars,  and  make  application  for 
compensation,  would  it  not  have  been  granted  ?  Indeed,  if  we 
were  to  make  out  an  account  current  of  tbe  expenses  and  sa 
crifices  of  the  General,  it  would  far  exceed  the  sum  now  pro 
posed.  But  he  never  rendered  a  claim  :  he  would  have  star 
ved  ere  he  would  have  done  it. 

I  have  other  documents,  said  Mr.  Hayne,  to  which  I  shall 
briefly  refer.  There  is  one  fact  which  shows  how  alive  he  was 
to  every  honourable  sentiment.  He  has  made  sacrifices  that 
can  never  be  repaid.  Congress  in  their  gratitude,  made  him  a 
donation  of  1 1,000  acres  of  land,  which  at  the  value  of  lands  at 
this  time,  was  not  worth  more  than  11,000  dollars  ;  and  by  an 
act  in  1804,  they  authorized  him  to  locate  this  land  on  any  spot 
in  the  United  States,  that  might  be  vacant :  and  his  agent  ac 
cordingly  located  it  in  the  neighbourhood  of  New  Orleans.  In 
1807,  Congress  passed  an  act,  confirming  the  title  to  the  city 
council  of  New  Orleans  of  all  lands  within  six  hundred  yards  of 
its  limits. 

Part  of  the  land  belonging  to  general  La  Fayette  was  in- 
cludt-'d  in  this  grant,  and  on  the  fact  being  communicated  to 
4iim  in  France  by  his  agent,  accompanied  by  legal  advice  of  the 
validity  of  his  title,  he  replied,  that  it  was  not  for  him  to  in 
quire  into  the  circumstances,  but  that  he,  receiving  bounty  from 
the  government  of  the  United  States,  could  only  receive  it  as 
they  chose  to  give  it ;  and  directed  his  agent  to  enter  a  relin- 
nuishment  of  the  land  in  question.  This  land,  according  to 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  41  ^ 

the  estimate  of  gentlemen  from  Louisiana  is  now  worth  500,000 
dollars.  But  there  is  another  circumstance  to  be  stated  :  hav 
ing  located  the  land,  he  made  a  contract  with  an  Irish  Baronet 
for  the  sale  of  a  portion  of  it,  and  he  afterwards  made  it  hie 
business  to  find  him  out — he  relinquished  his  own  right,  and,  at 
his  own  expense,  induced  him  to  relinquish  every  legal  claim 
that  he  could  have  upon  the  United  States.  This  relinquish- 
ment  was  on  file  in  the  land  office,  and  Mr.  Hayne  submitted 
the  documents  to  the  examination  of  the  Senate. 

These  claims  appear-  certainly  in  a  very  strong,  and  be 
might  say,  irresistible  shape  bef  >re  the  Senate.  His  honoura 
ble  friend,  on  the  right,  had  said  that  we  treat  this  gentleman 
better  than  we  do  our  native  s->ns,  but  it  appeared  that  they 
barely  did  him  justice.  Did  the  gentleman  doubt  that  this 
government  were  in  the  habit  of  making  remuneration  for  sac 
rifices  aod  services — he  would  refer  to  an  act  passed  in  1790, 
granting  compensation  to  Frederick  William  Baron  Steuben, 
for  sacrifices  and  services. 

Mr.  Hayne  proceeded  to  refer  to  many  instances  where  the 
government  had  not  only  granted  pecuniary  assistance,  but  had 
granted  a  whole  township  of  land  for  sacrifices  and  services. 
He  was  not  one  of  those  who  were  afraid  of  making  precedents 
— a  good  precedent  can  never  do  evil  ;  and  when  nations  as 
well  as  individuals,  gave  way  to  the  noblest  feelings  of  our  na 
ture,  they  best  promoted  the  glory  of  the  country  a  ,d  the  wel 
fare  of  the  people  ;  but  the  case  of  La  Fayette  could  form  no 
precedent — it  stood  alone.  Could  this  country  be  born  again? 
could  it  assume  a  second  childhood,  and  be  placed  in  circum 
stances  similar  to  those  in  which  it  had  formerly  been?  If  this 
were  possible,  if  it  cnuld  be  reduced  again  to  equal  distress,  be 
struggling  for  existence,  about  to  perish,  without  funds,  arms, 
clothing,  or  ammunition,  and  looking  around  for  help — if,  under 
such  circumstances,  a  foreign  nobleman  should  step  forth  and 
devote  his  life  and  fortune  to  her  service,  sacrificing  every  thing, 
and  shedding  his  blood  in  her  behalf,  and  while  the  scale  was 
depressed,  throwing  himself  into  the  balance,  and  deciding  its 
fate — surely,  such  a  man  would  be  entitled  to  the  warmest  gra 
titude  of  the  country. 

After  some  further  debate  the  bill  was  passed,  and  a  commit 
tee  appointed  to  wait  on  La  Fa*  ette  with  a  copy  of  the  act. 
To  an  address  of  the  committee  on  'he  occasion  of  presenting 
the  act,  the  Marquis  returned  the  following  answer. 

Gentlemen  of  the  Committee  of  both  Houses  of  Congress  : 

The  immense  and  unexpected  gift,  which,  in  addition  to  former 
and  considerable  bounties,  it  has  pleased  Congress  to  confer 
upon  me,  calls  for  the  warmest  acknowledgments  of  an  old 


4 1C  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

American  Soldier,  an  adopted  son  of  the  United  States,  two 
titles  dearer  to  my  heart  than  all  the  treasures  in  the  world. 

However  proud  1  am  of  every  sort  of  obligation  received  from 
the  people  of  the  United  States,  and  their  Representatives  in 
Congress,  the  large  extent  of  this  benefaction  might  have  cre 
ated  in  my  mind  feelings  of  hesitation,  not  inconsistent,  I  hope, 
with  those  of  the  most  grateful  reverence.  But  the  so  verv 
kind  resolutions  uf  both  Houses,  delivered  by  you,  gentlemen, 
in  terms  of  equal  kindness,  precl  'des  all  other  sentiments  except 
those  of  lively  and  profound  gratitude,  of  which,  in  respect 
fully  accepting  the  munificent  favour,  I  have  the  honour  to  beg 
you  will  be  the  organs. 

Permit  me  also,  gentlemen,  to  join  a  tender  of  my  affectionate 
personal  thanks  to  the  expression  of  the  highest  respect,  with 
which  I  have  the  honour  to  be  your  obedient  servant, 

LA  FAYETTE. 

At  Washington,  La  Fayette  was  received  by  both  houses  of 
Congress  with  suitable  honours.  Thence  passing  to  the  South, 
he  visited  most  of  the  cities  in  that  section  of  the  country. 

After  visiting  various  places,  in  the  autumn  of  1825,  the  mar 
quis  took  passage  in  the  fngate  Brandy  wine,  for  France,  where 
he  arrived  it  safety,  and  where  fie  still  lives,  in  the  enjoyment 
of  a  contented  mind,  and  a  dear  conscience  ;  the  friend  of  man, 
and  the  hero  of  freedom. 

The  second  session  of  the  eighteenth  Congress  commenced  in 
December,  on  which  occasion  we  find  in  the  presidential  mes 
sage  :  "•  our  relations  with  foreign  powers  are  of  a  friendly 
character,  although  certain  interesting  differences  remain  un 
settled.  Our  revenue,  under  the  mild  system  of  impost  and 
tonnage,  continues  to  be  adequate  to  all  the  purposes  of  gov 
ernment.  Our  agriculture,  commerce,  manufactures  and  navi 
gation  flourish.  Our  fortifications  are  advancing,  in  the  degree 
authoiized  by  existing  appropriations,  to  maturity,  and  due- 
progress  is  made  in  the  augmentation  of  the  navy  to  the  limit 
prescribed  by  law." 

He  also  siated,  that  the  convention  of  navigation  and  com 
merce  concluded  between  the  United  States  and  France  in 
1822  still  continued; — thatoir  commercial  intercourse  with 
the  British  dominions  in  Europe  atid  the  East  Indies,  resting 
on  the  basis  of  recip-oc  ty,  which  had  been  arranged  by  a  con 
vention,  in  1815,  was  confirmed  and  continued  for  ten  years, 
by  treat v  in  1818;  hut  that  the  trade  with  the  British  colonies 
in  the  West  Indies,  had  not  as  \t-t  been  settled  to  the  satisfac 
tion  of  the  executive  ;  that  our  commerce  with  Sweden  had 
been  placed  on  a  footing  of  perfect  reciprocity,  by  treaty,  and 
with  Russia,  the  NetJierlands,  Prussia,  and  the  free  Hanseatic 
cities,  the  dukedom  of  Oldenburg  and  Sardinia,  by  internal  re 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  4* 

^ ulations  on  each  side,  founded  on  mutual  agreement  between 
"he  respective  governments  ;  and  that  the  great  and  extraordi 
nary  changes  which  had  happened  in  Spain  and  Portugal,  with 
in  the  last  two  years,  had  not  seriously  affected  the  f  iendly 
relations  subsisting  between  them  and  the  United  States;  d^ 
though  they  had  presented  obstacles  to  the  adjustment  of  the 
particular  subjects  of  discussion  which  have  arisen  with  each. 
With  the  remaining  powers  of  Europe,  with  those  on  the  coast 
of  Barbary,  and  with  all  the  new  South  American  S'ates,  our 
relations  were  moreover  stated  to  be  of  a  friendly  character. 
The  country  has  ministers  plenipotentiary  residing  wi  h  the  re 
publics  of  Colombia  and  C.iili,  and  have  received  ministers  of 
the  same  rank,  from  Colombia,  Guatimala,  Bupnos  Ayres  and 
Mexico,  and  a  charge  d'affaires  from  the  independent  govern 
ment  of  Brazil. 

From  the  view  which  he  then  took  of  our  situation,  it  was 
manifest  that  we  were  in  a  highly  prosperous  situation,  and 
that  our  duty  and  happiness  would  consist  in  handing  these 
blessings  down  to  posterity  unimpaired. 

This  session  closed  constitutionally  on  the  third  of  March, 
1825.  The  most  interesting  subjects  which  occupied  its  atten 
tion  during  the  session,  were  the  occupation  of  the  Oregon  on 
the  Northwest  coast,  and  the  suppression  of  piracy.  The  bill 
respecting  the  former,  however,  was  lost  in  the  senate ;  being 
indefinitely  laid  on  the  table  ;  while  that  respecting  piracy  pas 
sed  ;  which,  however,  does  little  more  than  to  authorize  the 
building  of  ten  additional  ships  of  war.  T  ie  bill  authorizing 
the  occupation  >f  the  Oregon,  was  passed  bv  the  House  of  Re 
presentatives,  but  had  previously  been  so  amended  as  to  provide 
only  for  a  military  occupation  of  the  mouth  of  the  nver.  This 
amendment  was  adopted,  for  the  purpose  of  avoiding  a  violation 
of  the  treaty  with  Great  Britain,  which  provides  that  the  boun- 
darv  line  on  thit  frontier,  shall  remain  unsettled  ten  yeirs. 

The  presidency  of  Mr.  Monroe  closed  with  the  session,  du- 
rinsr  which  the  country  enjoyed  a  state  of  peace  and  uniform 
prosperity.  He  retired  from  office,  enjoying  the  respect,  af 
fection,  and  gratitude,  of  all  who  are  able  duly  to  appreciate 
the  blessings  of  having  a  wise  ruler. 

The  choice  of  president  for  the  succeeding  term  of  four  years, 
not  being  settled  by  the  e'ect.oral  vote,  devolved  on  the  House 
of  Representatives.  John  Quincy  Adams  was  chosen,  and  took 
the  oath  of  office  on  the  fourth  of  March,  and  John  C.  Calhoun 
was  chosen  vice  president  by  the  electors. 

Hardly  had  Mr.  Monroe  entered  on  his  second  term  of  office* 
when  certain  public  journals  became  clamorous  in  favour  of 
various  candidates  for  the  succession  to  that  important  post. 
NTor  has  the  clamour  yet  ceased  (September,  1828,)  on  the  same 


418  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

topic,  in  regard  to  the  next  presidency,  which  will  be  vacated 
on  the  third  of  March  next.  The  only  candidates  for  the  chair, 
are  the  present  incumbent,  and  general  Jackson.  How  this 
contest,  which  has  been  prosecuted  with  unexampled  industry, 
not  to  say  virulence,  will  terminate,  is  still  a  problem  with  tue 
ablest  calculators  As  to  probability,  we  think  it  inclines  in 
favour  of  the  former. 

The  address  of  Mr.  Adams,  on  his  induction  into  office,  was 
such  as  might  rationally  be  expected.  Speaking  of  our  politi 
cal  creed,  he  says,  it  "  is,  without  a  dissenting  voice  that  can 
be  heard,  that  the  will  of  the  people  is  th.*  s  >ui-ce,  and  the  hap 
piness  of  the  people  the  end.  of  all  legitimate  government  upon 
earth — That  the  best  security  for  the  beneficence,  and  the  best 
guarantee  against  the  abuse  of  power,  consists  in  the  freedom, 
the  purity,  and  the  frequency  of  popular  elections. — That  the 
general  government  of  the  Union,  and  the  separate  governments 
of  these  states,  are  all  sovereignties  of  limited  powers  ;  fellow 
servants  of  the  same  masters,  uncontrolled  within  their  respec 
tive  spheres,  unconirollable  by  encroachments  upon  each  other. 
That  the  firmest  security  of  peace,  is  the  preparation,  during 
peace,  of  the  defences  of  war.  That  a  rigorous  economy,  and 
accountability  of  public  expenditures,  should  guard  against  the 
aggravation,  and  alleviate,  when  possible,  the  burden  of  taxa 
tion.  That  the  military  -should  be  kept  in  strict  subordination 
to  the  civil  power.  That  the  freedom  of  the  press  and  of  reli 
gious  opinion  should  be  inviolate.  That  the  policy  of  our  coun 
try  is  peace,  and  the  ark  of  our  salvation,  union,  are  articles  of 
faith  upon  whicu  we  are  all  agreed." 

The  following  paragraphs  we  copy  en  ire,  as  too  valuable  to 
be  omitted,  even  in  a  condensed  history. 

"  In  the  compass  of  thirty  years,  since  this  great  national 
covenant  was  instituted,  a  body  of  laws  enacted  under  its  au 
thority,  and  in  conformity  with  its  provisions,  has  unfolded  its- 
powers,  and  carried  into  practical  operation  its  eff -ctive  ener 
gies.  Subordinate  departments  have  distributed  the  executive 
functions  in  their  various  relations,  to  foreign  affairs,  to  the  re 
venue  and  expenditures,  and  to  the  military  force  of  the  union, 
by  land  and  sea.  A  co-ordinate  department  of  the  judiciary 
has  expounded  the  constitution  and  the  laws;  settling,  in  har 
monious  coincidence  with  the  legislative  will,  numerous  weighty 
questions  of  construction  which  the  imperfection  of  human  lan 
guage  had  rendered  unavoidable.  The  year  of  jubilee  since 
the  first  formation  of  our  union  h^s  just  elapsed ;  that  of  the 
declaration  of  our  independence  is  at  hand.  The  consumma 
tion  of  both  was  effected  by  this  constitution.  Since  that 
period,  a  population  of  four  millions  has  multiplied  to  twelve- 
A  territory,  bounded  by  the  Mississippi,  has  been  extended 


THE  UNITED  STATES. 

irom  sea  to  sea.  New  states  have  been  admitted  to  the  union, 
;n  number  nearly  equal  to  those  of  the  first  confederation. 
Treaties  of  peace,  amity,  and  commerce,  have  been  concluded 
with  the  principal  dominions  of  tbe  earth.  The  people  of  other 
nations,  inhabitants  of  regions  acquired,  not  by  conquest,  but 
by  compact,  have  been  united  with  us  in  the  participation  of 
our  rights  and  duties,  of  our  burdens  and  blessings.  The  for 
est  has  fallen  by  the  axe  of  our  woodsmen — the  soil  has  been 
made  to  teem  by  the  tillage  of  our  farmers;  our  commerce  has 
whitened  every  ocean.  The  dominion  of  man  over  physical  na 
ture  has  been  extended  by  the  invention  of  our  artists.  Liberty 
and  law  have  marched  hand  in  hand.  All  the  purposes  of  hu 
man  association  have  been  accomplished  as  effectively  as  under 
any  other  government  on  the  globe;  and  at  a  cost,  little  ex 
ceeding,  in  a  whole  generation,  the  expenditures  of  other  na 
tions  in  a  single  year. 

Such  is  the  unexaggerated  picture  of  our  condition,  under  a 
constitution  founded  upon  the  republican  principle  of  equal 
rights.  To  admit  that  this  picture  has  its  shades,  is  but  to  say 
that  it  is  still  the  condition  of  men  upon  earth.  From  evil, 
physical,  moral,  and  political,  it  is  not  our  claim  to  be  exempt. 
We  have  suffered,  sometimes  by  the  visitation  of  Heaven, 
through  disease;  often  by  the  wrongs  and  injustice  of  other 
nations,  even  to  the  extremities  of  war ;  and,  lastly,  by  dissen- 
tions  among  ourselves — dis-sensions,  perhaps  inseparable  from 
the  enjoyment  of  freedom,  but  which  have  more  than  ooce  ap 
peared  to  threaten  the  dissolution  of  the  union,  and,  with  it, 
the  overthrow  of  all  the  enjoyments  of  our  present  lot,  and  all 
oi.r  earthly  hopes  of  the  future.  The  causes  of  these  dissen 
sions  have  been  various,  founded  upon  differences  of  specula 
tion  in  the  theory  of  republican  government ;  upon  conflicting 
views  of  policy,  in  our  relations  with  foreign  nations  ;  upon 
jealousies  of  partial  and  sectional  interests,  aggravated  by  pre 
judices  and  prepossessions,  which  strangers  ^to  each  other  are 
ever  apt  to  entertain. 

On  the  31  st  of  May,  a  treaty  of  peece,  amity,  navigation, 
and  commerce,  between  the  United  States  and  Colombia,  was 
ratified  by  the  president.  The  fi>st  article  establishes  a  firm 
and  inviolable  peace,  and  perpetual  friendship.  By  the  second, 
no  partiality  was  to  be  shown  to  any  other  nation  to  which  each 
of  the  contracting  parties  had  not  an  equal  right.  By  the  sixth 
article,  merchant  vessels  and  ships  of  war,  were  to  be  protected 
in  the  bays  and  harbours  of  both  parties,  either  in  stress  of 
weather,  or  to  shield  them  from  the  pursuit  of  pirates  or  other 
enemies.  The  seventh  grants  a  return  of  ships  and  merchan 
dise  which  may  be  taken  in  their  respective  jurisdictions.  By 
the  tenth,  both  the  contracting  parties  engage,  formally,  to  give 


420  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

their  special  protection  to  the  persons  and  property  of  the  other, 
and  to  leave  open  and  free  to  them  the  tribunals  of  justice  for 
their  judicial  recourse,  on  the  same  terms  as  are  usual  with  na 
tive  citizens  of  either  party.  By  the  eleventh,  liberty  of  con 
science  is  mutually  guaranteed.  By  the  fourteenth,  liberty  of 
commerce  and  navigation,  except  contraband  of  war,  in  times 
which  would  endanger  the  safety  of  either  contracting  party, 
is  freely  granted.  The  treaty  was  to  remain  in  force  twelve 
years  after  the  exchange  of  ratifications. 

The  7th  of  September,  was  the  day  appointed  for  the  depar 
ture  of  the  nation's  guest,  general  La  Fayelte,  from  Washing 
ton.  On  Mr.  Adams  devolved  the  task  of  bidding  him  farewell, 
in  the  name  of  the  nation  to  whom  he  had  been  a  constant 
friend,  and  a  noble  benefactor.  How  well  and  with  what  dig 
nity  and  feeling,  he  executed  this  task,  we  need  not  attempt  to 
discribe,  and  we  regret  that  our  plan  does  not  permit  us  to 
copy  the  whole  address.  We  can  copy  but  a  brief  sketch, 
which  will  be  found  in  the  following  selected  paragraphs. 

When  the  contest  of  freedom,  to  which  you  had  repaired  as 
a  voluntary  champion,  had  closed,  by  the  complete  triumph  of 
her  cause  in  this  country  of  your  adoption,  you  returned  to  ful 
fil  the  duties  of  the  philanthropist  and  patriot  in  the  land  of 
your  nativity.  There,  in  a  consistent  and  undeviating  career 
offorh  years,  you  have  maintained,  through  every  vicissitude 
of  alternate  success  and  disappointment,  the  same  glorious 
cause  to  which  the  first  years  of  your  active  life  had  been  devo 
ted,  the  improvement  of  the  moral  and  political  condition  of 
man. 

Through  that  long  succession  of  time,  the  people  of  the  Uni 
ted  States,  for  whom,  and  with  whom  you  had  fought  the  bat 
tles  of  liberty,  have  been  living  in  full  possession  of  its  fruits  ; 
one  of  the  happiest  among  the  family  of  nations.  Spreading 
in  population  ;  enlarging  in  territory  ;  acting  and  suffering 
according  to  the  condition  of  their  nature  ;  and  laying  the  foun 
dations  of  the  greatest,  and,  we  humbly  hope,  the  most  be- 
beneficent  power  that  ever  regulated  the  concerns  of  man  upon 
earth. 

In  that  lapse  of  forty  years,  the  generation  of  men  with  whom 
you  co-operated  in  the  conflict  of  arms,  has  nearly  passed  away. 
Of  the  general  officers  of  the  American  army  in  that  war,  you 
alone  survive.  Of  the  sages  who  guided  our  councils;  of  the 
warriors  who  met  the  foe  in  the  field  or  upon  the  waves,  with 
the  exception  of  a  few  to  whom  unusual  length  of  days  has  been 
allotted  by  Heaven,  all  now  fleep  with  their  fathers.  A  suc 
ceeding,  and  even  a  third  generation,  have  arisen  to  take  their 
places;  and  their  children's  children,  while  rising  up  to  call 
them  blessed,  have  been  taught  by  them,  as  well  as  admonished 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  42) 

jy  their  own  constant  enjoyment  of  freedom,  to  include  in 
overy  bcnison  upon  their  fathers,  the  name  of  him  who  came 
from  afar,  with  them  and  in  their  cause,  to  conquer  or  to  fall. 

You  are  now  about  to  return  to  the  country  of  your  birth,  of 
your  ancestors,  of  your  posterity.  The  executive  government 
of  the  Union,  stimulated  by  the  same  feeling  which  had  prompt 
cd  the  congress  to  the  designation  of  a  national  ship  for  your 
accommodation  in  coming  hither,  has  destined  the  first  service 
of  a  frigate,  recently  launched  at  this  metropolis,  to  the  less 
welcome,  but  equally  distinguished  trust,  of  conveying  you 
home.  The  name  of  the  shio  has  added  one  more  memorial  to 
distant  regions  and  to  future  ages,  of  a  stream  already  memo- 
rable,  at  once  in  the  story  of  your  sufferings  and  of  our  inde 
pendence. 

The  ship  is  now  prepared  for  your  reception,  and  equipped 
for  sea.  From  the  moment  of  her  departure,  the  prayers  of 
millions  will  ascend  to  Heaven  that  her  passage  may  be  pros 
perous,  and  your  return  to  the  bosom  of  your  family  as  propi 
tious  to  your  happiness,  as  your  visit  to  this  scene  of  your 
youthful  glory  has  been  to  that  of  the  American  people. 

Go,  then,  our  beloved  friend — return  to  the  land  of  brilliant 
genius,  of  generous  sentiment,  of  heroic  valour;  to  that  beau 
tiful  France,  the  nursing  mother  of  the  twelfth  Louis,  and  the 
fourth  Henry;  to  the  native  soil  of  Bayard  and  Coligm,  of  Tu- 
renne  and  Catinat,  of  Fenelon  and  D'Aguesseau.  In  that  il 
lustrious  catalogue  of  names  which  she  claims  as  of  her  chil 
dren,  and  with  honest  pride  holds  up  to  the  admiration  of  other 
nations,  the  name  of  La  Fayet'e  has  already  for  centuries  been 
enrolled.  And  it  shall  henceforth  burnish  into  brighter  fame  , 
for  if,  in  after  days,  a  Frenchman  shall  be  called  to  indicate  the 
character  of  his  nation  by  that  of  one  individual,  during  the  age 
in  which  we  live,  the  blood  of  lofty  patriotism  shall  mantie  in 
his  cheek,  the  fire  of  conscious  virtue  shall  sparkle  in  his  eye, 
and  he  shall  pronounce  the  name  of  La  Fayette.  Yet  we,  too, 
and  our  children,  in  life  and  after  death,  shall  claim  you  for  our 
own.  You  are  ours  by  that  more  than  patriotic  self-devotion 
with  which  you  flew  to  the  aid  of  our  fathers  at  the  crsis  oi 
their  fate.  Ours  by  that  long  series  of  years  in  which  you  have 
cherished  us  in  your  regard.  Ours  by  that  unshaken  sentiment 
of  gratitude  for  your  services,  which  is  a  precious  portion  of 
our  inheritance.  Ours  by  that  tie  of  love  stronger  than  death, 
which  haa  linked  your  name,  for  the  endless  ages  of  time,  witb 
the  name  of  Washington. 

To  this  the  veteran  general  replied ;  and,  after  mentioning 
his  obligations  to  the  American  government  and   people,  for 
their  munificence  and  kind  reception,  he  added,  "  Yet,  gratifi 
cations  still  higher,  awaited  me;    in  the  wonders  of  creation 
36 


422  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

and  improvement  that  have  met  my  enchanted  eye,  in  the  un 
paralleled  and  self-felt  happiness  of  the  people,  in  their  rapid 
prosperity  and  insured  security,  public  and  private,  in  a  prac 
tice  of  good  order,  the  appendage  of  true  freedom,  and  a  nation 
al  good  sense,  the  final  arbiter  or'  all  difficulties,  I  have  had 
proudly  to  recognise  a  result  of  the  republican  principles  for 
which  we  have  fought,  and  a  glorious  demonstration  to  the  most 
timid  and  prejudiced  minds,  of  the  superiority,  over  degrading 
aristocracy  or  despotism,  of  popular  institutions  founded  on  the 
plain  rights  of  man,  and  where  the  local  rights  of  every  sec 
tion  are  preserved  under  a  constitutional  bond  of  union.  The 
cherishing  of  that  union  between  the  states,  as  it  has  been  the 
farewell  entreaty  of  our  great  paternal  Washington,  and  will 
ever  have  the  dying  prayer  of  every  American  patriot,  so  it  has 
become  the  sacred  pledge  of  the  emancipation  of  the  world,  an 
object  in  which  I  am  happy  to  observe  that  the  American  peo 
ple,  while  they  give  the  animating  example  of  successful  free 
institutions,  in  return  for  an  evil  entailed  upon  them  by  Eu 
rope,  and  of  which  a  liberal  and  enlightened  sense  is  every 
where  more  and  more  generally  felt,  show  themselves  every  day 
more  anxiously  interested. 

God  bless  you,  sir,  and  all  who  surround  us.     God  bless  the 
American  people,  each  of  their  states,  and  the  federal  govern 
ment.     Accept  this  patriotic  farewell  of  an  overflowing  heart ; 
such  will  be  its  last  throb  when  it  ceases  to  beat. 

As  the  last  sentence  was  pronounced,  the  general  advanced, 
and,  while  the  tears  poured  over  his  venerable  cheek,  agaiu 
took  the  president  in  his  arms — he  retired  a  few  paces,  but, 
overcome  by  his  feelings,  again  returned,  and  uttering,  in  bro 
ken  accents^  "  God  bless  you  !"  fell  once  more  on  the  neck  of 
Mr.  Adams.  It  was  a  scene,  at  once,  solemn  and  moving,  as 
the  sighs  and  stealing  tears  of  many,  who  witnessed  it,  bore 
testimoriy.  Having  recovered  his  self-possession,  the  general 
stretched  out  his  hands,  and  was,  in  a  moment,  surrounded  by 
the  greeting,  of  the  whole  assembly,  who  pressed  upon  him. 
each  eager  to  seize,  perhaps  for  the  last  time,  that  beloved  hand 
which  was  opened  so  freely  for  our  aid,  when  aid  was  so  pre 
cious,  and  which  grasped,  with  firm  and  undeviating  hold,  the 
steel  which  so  bravely  helped  to  achieve  our  deliverance. 

The  general  was  attended  to  the  Potomac,  bv  a  large  military 
escort,  and  thousands  of  citizens.  The  Mount  Vernon  steam 
boat,  waited  to  convey  him  on  board  the  Brandywine.  When 
the  mansion,  the  groves,  and  the  tomb  of  Mount  Vernon  opened 
to  view.  The  progress  of  the  little  fleet  was  arrested,  it  re 
mained  motionless  on  the  broad  bosom  of  Potomac's  wave — that 
the  last  of  the  generals  might  pay  his  pious  homage  and  filial 
duty  to  the  tomb  of  the  paternal  chief. 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  423 

Lafayette  arose— the  wonders  which  he  had  performed  for  a 
-nan  of  his  age,  in  successfully  accomplishing  labors  enough  to 
have  tested  his  meridian  vigor,  whose  animation  rather  resem 
bles  the  spring  than  the  winter  of  life,  now  seemed  unequal  to 
the  task  he  was  about  to  perform  :  To  take  a  last  look  at  the 
<jrave  of  Washington  !  He  advanced  to  the  effort—  a  silence 
the  most  impressive  reigned  around,  till  the  strains  of  sweet 
and  plaintive  music  completed  the  grandeur  and  sacred  solem 
nity  of  the  scene.  All  hearts  beat  in  unison  with  the  throb- 
bings  of  the  veteran's  bosom  as  he  looked,  and  that  for  the  last 
time,  on  the  sepulchre  which  contains  the  ashes  of  the  first  ot 
men.  He  spoke  not,  but  appeared  absorbed  in  the  mighty  re- 
-jollections  which  the  place  and  the  occasion  inspired.  Yet  E 
voice  seemed  borne  on  the  air.  It  appeared  to  say  to  the 
manes  of  the  illustrious  dead,  "  WASHINGTON,  thou  friend  and 
father  of  my  youth,  under  whose  heroic  banner  1  first  gained 
renown  in  the  fields  of  fame,  when  combatting  for  the  rights 
and  liberties  of  man — io  whose  bosom  I  was  cherished  in  the 
earliest,  the  happiest  days  of  life — whose  affections  descended 
with  me  from  the  palace  to  the  dungeon — whose  arms  were 
opened  to  receive  my  child,  when  forlorn  and  a  wanderer  from 
his  native  land,  he  sought  in  thee  a  friend  and  found  a  father- 
most  truly  great  and  glorious  of  men,  while  such  a  humble 
mound  alone  contains  thy  ashes,  thy  monument  is  based  on  an 
hemisphere,  and  thy  fame  will  cenotaph  thy  memory  in  ages 
yet  unborn.  Accept  the  last  duty  which  filial  homage  pays  to 
the  tomh  of  Washington  in  the  tear  of  La  Fayette." 

We  make  no  apology  for  the  insertion  of  these  interesting 
particulars.  But  we  regret,  sincerely,  that  the  whole  of  the 
address  and  reply  cannot  find  room,  and  if  our  readers  have 
feeling,  they  will  regret  it  too. 

The  first  session  of  the  nineteenth  congress  opened  at  Wash 
ington  in  December,  1825.  The  message  of  the  executive, 
after  adverting  to  the  state  of  peace  which  had  for  several 
years  blessed  the  world  says — During  the  same  period,  our  in 
tercourse  with  all  those  nations  has  been  pacific  and  friendly — 
it  so  continues.  Since  the  close  of  your  last  session,  no  mate 
rial  variation  has  occurred  in  our  relations  with  any  one  oi 
them.  In  the  commercial  and  navigation  system  of  Great 
Britain,  important  changes  of  municipal  regulation  have  recent 
ly  been  sanctioned  by  acts  of  parliament,  the  effect  of  which, 
upon  the  interests  of  other  nations,  and  particularly  upon  ours, 
lias  not  yet  been  fully  developed.  In  the  recent  renewal  of  the 
diplomatic  missions  on  both  sides,  between  the  two  govern 
ments,  assurances  have  been  given,  and  received,  of  the  contin 
uance  and  increase  of  that  mutual  confidence  and  cordiality  by 
-vhich  the  adjustment  of  many  points  of  difference  had  already 


424  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

been  effected,  and  which  affords  the  surest  pledge  for  the  ulti 
mate  satisfactory  adjustment  of  those  which  still  remain  open> 
or  may  hereafter  arise. 

He  then  notices  the  commission  for  settling  the  seventh  arti 
cle  of  the  treaty  of  Ghent,  and  that  respecting  the  indemnity  for 
slaves  taken  off  b)  the  British  during  the  late  war,  as  in  a  train 
of  amicable  adjustment.  He  also  adverts  to  the  importance 
of  establishing  a  national  system  of  bankruptcy,  and  of  improve 
ments  in  the  militia  system.  In  noticing  the  pecuniary  con 
cerns  of  the  nation,  the  message  says — Among  the  unequivo 
cal  indications  of  our  national  prosperity,  is  the  flourishing  state 
of  our  finances.  The  revenues  of  the  present  year,  from  ail 
their  principal  sources,  wll  exceed  the  anticipations  of  the  last- 
The  balance  in  the  treasury,  on  the  1st  of  January  last,  was  a 
little  short  of  two  millions  of  dollars,  exclusive  of  two  millions 
and  a  half,  being  the  moiety  of  the  loan  or  five  millions,  author 
ized  by  the  act  of  26th  May,  18^4.  The  receipts  into  the  treas 
ury,  from  the  first  of  January,  to  the  thirtieth  of  September; 
exclusive  of  the  other  moiety  of  the  same  loan,  are  estimated  at 
sixteen  millions,  five  hundred  thousand  dollars  ;  and  it  is  ex 
pected  that  those  of  the  current  quarter  will  exceed  five  mil- 
Jions  of  dollars  ;  forming  an  aggregate  of  receipts  of  neatly 
twenty-two  millions,  indepedent  of  the  loan.  The  expen 
ditures  of  the  year  will  not  exceed  that  sun  more  than  two 
millions.  By  those  expenditures,  nearly  eight  millions  of 
the  principal  of  the  public  debt  have  been  discharged.  More 
than  a  million  and  a  half  has  been  devoted  to  the  debt  of 
gratitude  to  the  warriors  of  the  revolution :  a  nearly  equal  sum 
to  the  construction  of  fortifications,  and  the  acquisition  of  ord 
nance,  and  other  permanent  preparatives  of  national  defence  : 
half  a  million  to  the  gradual  increase  of  the  navy  :  an  equal 
3urn  for  purchases  of  territory  from  the  Indians,  and  payment  of 
annuities  to  them  :  and  upwards  of  a  million  for  objects  of  in 
ternal  improvement,  authorized  by  special  acts  of  the  last  con 
gress.  If  we  add  to  these,  four  millions  of  dollars  for  payment 
of  interest  upon  the  public  debt,  there  remains  a  sum  of  about 
seven  millions  which  have  defrayed  the  whole  expense  of  the 
administration  of  government,  in  its  legislative,  executive  and 
judiciary  departments,  including  the  support  of  the  military  and 
naval  establishments,  and  all  the  occasional  contingencies  of  a 
government  co-extensive  with  the  union. 

The  Amount  of  duties  secured  on  merchandise  imported, 
from  the  commencement  of  the  year,  is  about  twenty-five  mil 
lions  and  a  half;  and  that  which  will  accrue,  during  the  cur 
rent  quarter,  is-estimated  at  five  millions  and  a  half:  from 
ihese  thirty-one  millions,  deducting  the  drawbacks,  estimated 
njess  than  seven  millions,  a  sum  exceeding  twenty  four  mi1 


THE   UNITED  STATES.  425 

.JOBS  will  constitute  the  revenue  of  the  year;  and  will  exceed 
the  whole  expenditures  of  the  year.  The  entire  amount  of 
public  debt,  remaining  due  on  the  first  of  January  next,  will  be 
short  of  eighty-one  millions  of  dollars. 

Speaking-  of  our  situation  as  regards  the  Aborigines,  he  thus 
speaks  :  Our  relations  with  the  numerous  tribes  of  aboriginal 
natives  of  this  country,  scattered  over  its  extensive  surface,  and 
so  dependent  even  for  their  existence,  upon  our  power,  have 
been,  during  the  present  year,  highly  interesting.  An  act  of 
congress,  of  25th  May,  1824,  made  an  appropriation  to  de 
fray  the  expenses  of  making  treaties  of  trade  and  friendship 
with  the  Indian  tribes  beyond  the  Mississippi.  An  act  of  3d 
March,  1825,  authorized  treaties  to  be  made  with  the  In- 
uians  for  their  consent  to  tbe  making  of  a  road  from  the  fron 
tier  of  Missouri  to  that  of  New  Mexico.  And,  another  act  of 
the  same  date,  provided  for  defraying-  the  expenses  of  holding 
treaties  with  the'  Sioux,  Chippewas,  Menomences,  Sauks,  Fox 
es,  &c.  for  the  purpose  of  establishing  boundaries  and  promo 
ting  peace  between  said  tribes.  The  tirst  and  the  last  objects 
of  these  acts  have  been  accomplished  ;  and  the  second  is  yet  in 
a  process  of  execution.  The  treaties,  which,  since  the  last  ses 
sion  of  congress  have  been  concluded  with  the  several  tribes, 
will  be  laid  before  the  senate  for  their  consideration,  conforma 
bly  to  the  constitution.  They  comprise  large  and  valuable  ac 
quisitions  of  territory  :  and  they  secure  an  adjustment  of  boun 
daries,  and  give  pledges  of  permanent  peace  between  several, 
tribes  which  had  been  long  waging  bloody  wars  against  each 
other. 

On  the  12th  of  February  last,  a  treaty  was  signed  at  the  In 
dian  Springs,  between  commissioners  appointed  on  the  part  of 
the  United  States,  and  certain  chiefs  and  individuals  of  the 
Creek  nation  of  Indians,  which  was  received  at  the  seat  of  go 
vernment  only  a  few  days  before  the  close  of  the  last  session  of 
congress,  and  of  the  late  administration.  The  advice  and  con 
sent  of  the  senate  was  given  to  it,  on  the  3d  of  March,  too  late  for 
it  to  receive  the  ratification  of  the  then  president  of  the  United 
States  ;  it  was  ratified  on  the  7th  of  March,  under  the  unsus 
pecting  impression  that  it  had  been  negotiated  in  good  faith, 
and  in  the  confidence  inspired  by  the  recommendation  of  the 
senate.  The  subsequent  transactions  in  relation  to  this  treaty, 
will  form  the  subject  of  a  separate  message. 

But  our  circumscribed  limits  prevent  us  from  touching,  with 
any  thing  like  justice,  on  this  able  state  paper-  We  can  only 
say,  that  nothing  seems  to  have  escaped  his  capacious  mind,  of 
very  general  and  national  importance. 

By  the  report  of  the  Treasurer  this  session,  it  appears  be  had 
a  balance  of  more  than  five  millions  in  his  hands. 
36* 


i2G  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

During  this  session,  a  question  was  agitated,  relating  to  the 
holding  of  any  office  under  the  government  of  the  United  States, 
by  a  senator  or  representative  to  congress.  Mr.  Benton  from 
the  selected  committee,  reported, — 

That,  having  had  recourse  to  the  history  of  the  times,  in 
which  the  constitution  was  formed,  the  committee  find  that 
the  proposition  now  referred  to  them,  had  engaged  the  deliber 
ations  of  the  federal  convention  which  framed  the  constitu 
tion,  and  of  several  of  the  state  conventions  which  ratified  it. 

In  an  early  stage  of  the  session  of  the  federal  convention,  it 
was  resolved,  as  follows  : 

**  Art  6,  sec.  9.  The  members  of  each  house,  (of  congress) 
ahall  be  ineligible  to,  and  incapable  of  holding  any  office  under 
the  authority  of  the  United  States,  during  the  time  for  which 
they  shall  respectively  be  elected  ;  and  the  members  of  the  sen 
ate  shall  be  inelligible  to,  and  incapable  of,  holding  any  such  of 
fice  for  one  year  afterwards."  (Journal  of  the  federal  conven 
tion^  page  219.) 

It  further  appears  from  the  journal,  that  this  clause  in  the 
tlrst  draft  of  the  constitution,  was  adopted  with  great  unanimi 
ty,  and  that  afterwards,  in  the  concluding  days  of  the  session,  it 
was  altered,  and  its  intention  defeated,  by  a  majority  of  a  sin 
gle  vote,  in  the  absence  of  one  of  the  states  by  which  it  had 
been  supported. 

Following  the  constitution  into  the  state  conventions  which 
ratified  it,  the  committee  find,  that,  by  the  New  York  conven 
tion,  it  was  recommended,  as  follows  : 

"  That  no  senator  or  representative  shall,  during  the  time 
for  which  he  was  elected,  be  appointed  to  any  office  under  the 
authority  of  the  U.  States." 

By  the  Virginia  convention,  as  follows  : 

"  That  the  members  of  the  senate  and  house  of  representa 
tives  shall  be  ineligible  to,  and  incapable  of,  holding  any  civil 
office  under  the  authority  of  the  U.  States,  during  the  term  for 
which  they  shall  respectively  be  elected." 

By  the  North  Carolina  convention,  the  same  amendment  was 
recommended,  in  the  same  words. 

In  the  first  session  of  the  first  congress,  which  was  held  under 
the  constitution,  a  menber  of  the  house  of  representatives  sub 
mitted  a  similar  proposition  of  amendment  ;  and,  in  the  third 
session  of  the  eleventh  congress,  James  Madison  being  presi 
dent,  a  like  proposition  was  again  submitted,  and  being  refer 
red  to  a  committee  of  the  house,  was  reported  by  them  in  the 
following  words  : 

vv  No  senator  or  representative  shall  be  appointed  to  any  civil 
office,  place  or  emolument,  under  the  authority  of  the  United 
Stares,  until  (he  expiration  of  the  presidential  term  in  which 
such  person  ahall  have  served  as  a  sena-or  or  representative." 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  42? 

Upon  the  question  to  adopt  this  resolution,  the  vote  stood  71 
yeas,  40  nays,  wanting  but  ti.ree  votes  of  the  constitutional 
number  for  the  referring  it  to  the  decision  of  the  states. 

Having  thus,  shown  by  a  reference  to  the  venerable  evidence  of 
our  early  history,  that  the  principle  of  ih^- amendment  now  under 
consideration,  has  had  the  support  and  approbation  of  the  first 
iriends  of  the  constitution,  tne  committee  will  now  declare  their 
own  opinion  in  favor  of  its  correctness,  and  exprses  its  belief 
that  the  ruling  principle  in  the  organization  of  the  federal  go 
vernment  demand-  its  adoption. 

That  ruling  principle  requires  that  the  three  great  branches 
of  the  federal  government,  the  executive,  legislative  and  ju 
diciary,  should  be  separate  and  distinct  from  each  other,  not 
only  in  contemplation  of  law,  but  in  point  of  fact  ;  and,  for  this 
end,  that  each  should  not  oniv  have  its  independent  organiza 
tion,  but  that  the  individuals  administering  each,  should  be 
wholly  free  from  the  control  and  influence  of  the  individuals  who 
administered  the  others 

To  secure  this  independence  on  tho  part  of  the  president,  and 
to  prevent  the  executive  from  s  arving  him  into  a  compliance 
with  their  will,  by  withholding  his  necessary  support,  or  sedu 
cing  him  into  an  acquiesence  in  their  views,  by  tempting  his 
avarice  with  an  augmented  salary,  (Fed.  Ab.  77,}  it  is  provi 
ded  in  the  constituiion  that  he  shall  receive  a  fixed  compensa 
tion  for  his  services,  whirh  shall  neither  DP  increased  nor  dimin 
ished  during  the  term  for  which  he  was  elected. 

To  secure  the  independence  of  \  he  legislative  department,  and 
to  prevent  the  executive  from  influencing  its  deliberations,  by 
retaining  a  set  of  dependants  in  the  senate  and  house  of  repre 
sentatives,  always  ready,  like  the  placemen  in  the  British  par 
liament,  to  support  the  measures  of  administration,  it  was  pro 
vided,  in  the  same  constitution,  that  persons  holding  offices  un 
der  the  authority  of  the  United  Stales,  should  be  wholly  exclu 
ded  from  the  floor  of  congress. 

The  committee  believe  that  this  provision  for  the  indepen 
dence  of  the  senate  and  house  of  representatives,  though  wise 
and  proper  as  far  as  it  goes,  does  ^ot  go  far  enough  to  accom 
plish  the  object  it  had  in  view.  They  admit  that  the  presence 
of  office  holders  in  the  legislative  department  would  be  the 
bane  of  honest  and  independent  legislation  ;  and  they  believe 
that  the  presence  of  office- hunters  would  be  equally  fatal.  The 
danger  to  be  apprehended  from  each,  is,  in  effect,  the  same. 
The  office  holder  would  support  »he  measures  of  administration 
for  the  purpose  of  saving  the  office  which  he  had  in  possession  : 
the  office  hunter  would  support  the  same  measures,  for  the 
purpose  of  securing  the  office  which  he  had  in  expectation,  By 


428-  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

either  party,  the  interest  of  the  country  would  be  sacrificed  to 
the  views  of  the  executive  ;  and  the  appropriate  means  for  pre 
venting  this  mischief,  was  first  to  exclude  office  holders  from 
seats  in  congress,  and  this  the  constitution  has  done ;  and, 
secondly,  to  prevent  senators  and  representatives  from  taking 
appointments  from  the  president  under  whose  administration 
they  had  served,  and  this  it  has  omitted  to  do.  The  omission 
was  too  material  to  escape  the  observation  of  those  who  were 
not  blind  to  the  defects  of  the  constitution  ;  and  their  animad 
versions  were  too  loud  and  vehement  to  pass  unnoticed  by  the 
great  advocates  for  the  ratification  of  that  instrument.  The 
authors  of  the  Federalist,  in  their  JVb.  55,  felt  it  to  be  their  du 
ty  to  meet  the  objection  which  grew  out  of  this  omission.  But 
even  these  great  men,  with  their  superior  abilities,  and  ardent, 
zeal  in  the  best  of  causes,  could  attempt  no  more  than  to  dimin 
ish  the  quantum  of  a  danger  which  could  not  be  denied  to  exist, 
and  to  cover,  with  a  brilliant  declamation,  a  part  of  their  be- 
loved  constitution  which  could  not  be  defended.  They  said  : 
"  Sometimes  we  are  told,  that  this  fund  of  corruption,(executivc 
appointments,)  is  to  be  exhausted  by  the  president  in  subduing 
the  virtue  of  the  senate.  Now,  the  fidelity  of  the  other  house 
is  to  be  the  victim.  The  improbability  of  such  a  mercenary  and 
perfidious  combination  of  the  several  members  of  the  govern 
ment,  standing  on  as  different  foundations  as  its  republican  prin 
ciples  will  well  admit,  and  at  the  same  time  accountable  to  the 
society  over  which  they  ate  placed,  oujjht  alone  to  quiet  this 
apprehension.  But,  fortunately,  the  constitution  has  provided 
a  still  further  safeguard.  The  members  of  the  congress  are 
rendered  ineligible  to  any  civil  offices  that  may  be  created,  or 
of  which  the  emoluments  may  be  increased,  during  the  term  of 
their  election.  No  offices,  therefore,  can  be  dealt  out  to  the 
existing  members  but  such  as  maj  become  vacant  by  ordinary 
casualties  ;  and  to  suppose  that  these  would  be  sufficient  tc 
purchase  the  guardians  of  the  people,  selected  by  the  people 
themselves,  is  to  renounce  every  rule  by  wnich  events  ought  tc 
be  calculated,  and  to  substitute  an  indiscriminate  and  unboun 
ded  jealousy,  with  which  all  reasoning  must  be  vain." 

They  doubted  the  validity  of  these  arguments,  and  concluded 
the  report  as  follows:  Considering  all  which,  the  committee 
have  come  to  the  unanimous  resolution  to  submit  to  the  senate 
a  proposition  of  amendment  to  the  constitution  of  the  United 
States,  embracing  the  principle  of  this  report. 

Resolved,  by  the  senate  and  house  of  representatives  of  the 
United  States  of  America  in  congress  assembled,  two  thirds  oT 
both  houses  concurring,  That  the  following-  amendment  to  the 
constitution  of  the  United  States  be  proposed  to  the  legislatures 
of  the  several  states  ;  which,  when  ratified  by  three-fourths  of 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  429 

said  legislatures,  shall  be  valid,  to  all  intents  and  purposes,  as 
part  of  said  constitution  : 

No  senator  or  representative  shall  be  appointed  to  any  civil 
office,  place  or  emolument,  under  the  authority  of  th  •  United 
States,  until  the  expiration  of  the  presidential  term  in  which 
such  person  shall  have  served  as  a  senator  or  a  representative. 

During  the  session  and  on  the  fourth  of  July,  just  half  a  cen 
tury  from  the  time  when  Adams  and  Jefferson,  signed  the  Dec 
laration  of  ludepenence,  they  doth  departed  this  life,  within  a 
few  hours  of  each  other.  They  had  both  been  presidents  of 
the  United  States,  and  both  vice  presidents.  This  is  certain 
ly  an  extraordinary  coincidence,  and  worthy  to  be  perpetuated 
in  the  archives  of  the  nation.  Nor  is  it  a  little  remarkable,  that 
on  this  day,  after  its  observance  by  the  national  legislatute, 
certain  members  of  congress  addressed  the  legislature  on  the 
pecuniary  embarrassments  of  Mr.  Jefferson  with  a  view  to  his 
relief.  The  following  extracts  we  believe  will  be  acceptable. 

If  I  am  asrked  why  Jefferson  is  singled  out  amid  his  compat* 
riots — my  answer  is,  he  stands  pre-eminent  alike  for  his  servi 
ces  and  his  misfortunes.  Gud  forbid  tha»  F  should  diminish  the 
just  claims  of  the  illustrious  band,  who,  guided  by  the  polarity 
of  their  superior  genius,  and  bv  a  courage  that  was  above  cir 
cumstances,  to  whotn  the  blessing  of  Providence  became  a  pil 
lar  of  light — by  which  we  were  conducted  through  the  wilder- 
nessofthe  land  of  promise.  But  asene  stardiffereth  from  an 
other  star  in  glory,  so  also  is  the  lot  of  man.  It  was  his  good 
fortune  to  occupy  the  front  rank  among  the  illustrious.  He  is 
one  of  three  survivors,  signers  of  the  Declaration  of  Indepen 
dence.  His  associates  are  comfortable,  and  need  no  aid. 

Ifit  be  inquired  how  it  has  happened  that  h<;  has  become  im 
poverished  ?  I  answer,  the  delicacy  of  the  subject  forbids  the 
inquiry.  I  may  ask,  however,  what  public  institution  is  there 
in  the  United  States  that  has  not  profited  of  his  bounty  ?  What 
son  or  daughter  of  affliction,  who  has  asked  for  aid,  that  has  not 
received  his  charity?  >v  hat  nation,  tongue  or  kindred,  that  has 
not  shared  his  hospitality  ?  His>  fame  had  gone  abroad  in  the 
oarth.  He  as  justly  esteemed  a  distinguished  benefactor  of 
mankind.  He  was  resorted  to  as  an  oracle,  that  they  might 
hear  with  their  own  ears,  from  his  own  lips,  the  sublime  and 
the  eternal  truths  of  religious  liberty.  His  doors  were  open  te 
all.  His  responses  were  wthheld  from  none.  The  sequel 
was  inevitable — a  loss  of  his  property.  He  disinterestedly  sac* 
rificed  his  independence  on  the  altar  of  all  the  virtues.  The 
character  of  his  country  was  ennobled  by  the  sacrifice.  It  will 
be  still  further  ennobled  by  its  being  replaced  by  the  generosity 
sf  his  countrymen. 


430  UNIVERSAL   HISTORY  OP 

The  second  session  of  the  nineteenth  congress  commenced 
on  the  fourth  day  of  December,  1826.  The  President's 
message,  after  noticing  the  unfinished  and  untouched  subjects 
of  his  former  message,  notices  the  decease  of  Alexander,  of  Rus 
sia,  our  commerce  with  France,  and  a  ratified  treaty  with  Den 
mark,  says: — "  With  Prussia,  Spain,  Portugal,  and  in  genera! 
all  the  European  Powers,  between  whom  and  the  United  States 
relations  of  friendly  intercourse  have  existed,  their  condition  has 
not  materially  varied  since  the  last  session  of  congress.  I  re 
gret  not  to  be  able  to  say  the  same  of  our  commercial  intercourse 
with  the  colonial  possessions  of  Great  Britian,  in  America.  Ne 
gotiations  of  the  highest  importance  to  our  common  interests 
have  been  for  several  years  in  discussion  between  the  two  gov 
ernments,  and  on  the  part  of  the  United  States  have  been  inva 
riably  pursued  in  the  spirit  of  candor  and  conciliation.  Interests 
of  great  magnitude  and  delicacy  had  been  adjusted  by  the  con 
ventions  of  1815  and  1818,  while  that  of  1822,  mediated  by  the 
late  emperor  Alexander,  had  promised  a  satisfactory  compromise 
of  claims  which  the  government  of  the  United  States,  in  justice 
to  the  rights  of  a  numerous  class  of  their  citizens,  was  bound 
to  sustain.  But,  with  regard  to  the  commercial  intercourse 
between  the  United  States  and  the  British  colonies  in  America, 
it  has  been  hitherto  found  impracticable  to  bring  the  parties  to 
an  understanding  satisfactory  to  both.  The  relative  geographi 
cal  position,  aud  the  respective  products  of  nature  cultivated  by 
human  industry,  had  constituted  the  elements  of  a  commercial 
intercourse  between  the  United  States  and  British  America,  in 
sular  and  continental,  important  to  the  inhabitants  of  both  coun 
tries.  But  it  had  been  interdicted  by  Great  Britian,  upon  a  prin 
ciple  heretofore  practised  by  the  colonizing  nations  of  Europe, 
of  holding  the  trade  of  their  colonies,  each  in  exclusive  monopo 
ly  to  herself.  After  the  termination  of  the  late  war,  this  inter 
diction  had  been  revived,  and  the  British  government  declined 
including  this  portion  of  our  intercourse  with  her  possessions  in 
the  negotiation  of  the  convention  of  1815.  The  trade  was  then 
carried  on  exclusively  in  British  vessels,  till  the  act  of  congress 
concerning  navigation,  of  1818,  and  the  supplemental  act  of  1820 
met  the  interdict  by  a  corresponding  measure  on  the  part  of  the 
United  States.  These  measures,  not  of  retaliation,  but  necessa 
ry  self-defence,  were  soon  succeeded  by  an  act  of  parliament, 
opening  certain  colonial  ports  to  the  vessels  of  the  United  States, 
coming  directly  from  them,  and  to  the  importation  from  them  oi 
certain  articles  of  our  produce,  burdened  with  heavy  duties,  and 
excluding  some  of  the  most  valuable  articles  of  our  exports.  The 
United  States  opened  their  ports  to  British  vessels  from  the  colo 
nies,  upon  terms  as  exactly  corresponding  with  those  of  the  act 
of  parliament,  as  in  the  relative  position'of  the  parties,  could  br 


THE  UNITED  STATES,  431 

And  a  negotiation  was  commenced  by  mutual  consent, 
with  the  hope,  on  our  part,  that  a  reciprocal  spirit  of  accommo 
dation  and  a  common  sentiment  of  the  importance  of  the  trade 
to  the  interests  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  two  countries,  between 
whom  it  must  be  carried  on,  would  ultimately  bring  the  parties 
to  a  compromise,  with  which  both  might  be  satisfied.  With  this 
view,  the  government  of  the  United  States  had  determined  to  sa> 
crifice  something  of  that  entire  reciprocity  which  in  all  commer 
cial  arrangements  with  foreign  powers  they  are  entitled  to  de 
mand,  and  to  acquiesce  in  some  inequalities  disadvantageous  to 
ourselves,  rather  than  to  forego  the  benefit  of  a  final  and  perma 
nent  adjustment  of  this  interest,  to  the  satisfaction  of  Great  Brit 
ain  herself.  The  negotiation,  repeatedly  suspended  by  accidental 
circumstances,  was,  however,  by  mutual  agreement  and  express 
assent,  considered  as  pending,  and  to  be  speedily  resumed.  In 
the  mean  time,  another  act  of  parliament,  so  doubtful  and  ambi 
guous  in  its  import  as  to  have  been  misunderstood  by  the  officers 
in  the  colonies  who  were  to  carry  it  into  execution,  opens  again 
certain  colonial  ports,  upon  new  conditions  and  terms,  with  a 
threat  to  close  them  against  any  nation  which  may  not  accept 
those  terms,  as  prescribed  by  the  British  government.  This  act 
passed  in  July,  1825,  not  communicated  to  the  government  of  the 
United  States,  not  understood  by  the  British  officers  of  the  cus 
toms  in  the  colonies  where  it  was  to  be  enforced,  was  neverthe 
less  submitted  to  the  consideration  of  congress,  at  their  last 
session.  With  the  knowledge  that  a  negotiation  upon  the  sub 
ject  had  long  been  in  progress,  and  pledges  given  of  its  resump 
tion  at  an  early  day,  it  was  deemed  expedient  to  await  the  re 
sult  of  that  negociation,  rather  than  to  subscribe  implicitly  to 
terms,  the  import  of  which  was  not  clear,  and  which  the  Brit 
ish  authorities  themselves,  in  this  hemisphere,  were  not  pre' 
pared  to  explain. 

He  closes  the  subject  of  British  difficulties,  by  trusting  that 
the  misunderstanding  noticed  would  not  have  an  impropitious 
effect  on  other  subjects  connected  with  our  mutual  relations. 

He  then  alludes  to  the  Panama  mission,  and  presses  the  opin 
ion  that  we  ought  to  be  there  represented. 

Of  our  fiscal  concerns,  and  the  contemplated  reduction  of  the 
public  debt,  he  speaks  in  favourable  terms.  Of  the  military 
and  naval  departments  he  speaks  in  a  favourable  manner,  and 
extols  the  management  of  the  post  office  department. 

The  conclusion  is  as  follows  : — 

In  closing  this  communication,  I  trust  it  will  not  be  deemed 
inappropriate  to  the  occasion  and  purposes  upon  which  we  are 
here  assembled,  to  indulge  a  momentary  retrospect,  combining, 
in  a  single  glance,  the  period  of  our  origin  as  a  national  confe 
deration  with  that  of  our  present  existence,  at  the  precise  in- 


432  UNIVERSAL   HISTORY  OF 

terval  of  half  a  century  from  each  other.  Since  your  last  meet< 
ing  at  this  place,  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of  the  day  when  our 
indeoendence  was  declared,  has  been  celebrated  throughou 
our  land,  and  on  that  day,  when  every  heart  was  bounding  with 
joy  and  every  voice  was  tuned  to  gratulation,  amid  the  blessings 
of  freedom  and  independence,  which  the  sires  of  a  former  age 
had  handed  down  to  their  children,  two  of  ihe  principal  actors 
in  that  solemn  scene,  the  hand  that  penned  the  ever-memorable 
declaration,  and  the  voice  that  sustained  it  in  debate,  were,  by 
the  summons,  at  the  distance  of  seven  hundred  miles  from  each 
other,  called  before  the  Judge  of  all,  to  account  for  their  deeds 
done  upon  earth.  They  departed,  cheered  by  the  benedictions 
of  their  country,  to  whom  they  left  the  inheritance  of  their  fame, 
and  the  memory  of  their  bright  example.  If  we  turn  our 
thoughts  to  the  condition  of  their  country,  in  the  contrast  of  the 
first  and  last  day  of  that  century,  how  resplendent  and  sublime 
is  the  transition  from  gloom  to  glory  !  Then  glancing  through 
the  same  lapse  of  time,  in  the  condition  of  the  individuals,  we 
see  the  first  day  marked  with  the  fulness  and  vigor  of  youth  in 
the  pledge  of  their  lives,  their  fortunes,  and  their  sacred  honor, 
to  the  cause  of  freedom  and  of  mankind.  And  on  the  last,  ex 
tended  on  the  bed  of  death  with  but  sense  and  sensibility  left  to 
breathe  a  last  aspiration  to  Heaven  of  blessing  upon  their  coun 
try  ;  may  we  not  humbly  hope  that  to  them  too,  it  was  a 
pledge  of  transition  from  gloom  to  glory  ;  and  that  while  their 
mortal  vestments  were  sinking  into  the  clod  of  the  valley,  their 
emancipated  spirits  were  ascending  to  the  bosom  of  their  God  ! 

During  the  session,  a  number  of  interesting  reports  were 
made  from  the  different  departments  and  a  number  of  valua 
ble  documests  presented.  The  famous  treaty  with  M'Intosh 
and  other  Creek  chiefs  was  put  under  examination  and  condem 
ned. 

This  treaty  it  may  be  recollected,  was  made  by  M'Intosh,  in 
a  clandestine  manner,  for  which  he  subsequently  suffered  death. 
Circumstances,  and  clear  testimony  were  adduced  to  show  that 
this  was  the  state  of  the  treaty,  and  it  was  no  longer  consider 
ed  obligatory  on  either  the  United  States,  or  the  Creek  nation. 
To  show  the  spirit  of  hostility  manifested  by  the  executive  of 
Georgia,  nothing  more  is  necessary,  than  to  copy  the  two  fol 
lowing  orders.  It  is  only  necessary  to  state,  that  Georgia  had 
long  coveted  the  Creek  lands,  and  by  collusion  with  some  chiefs, 
determined  to  possess  them  even  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet, 
and  the  destruction  of  the  aborigines.  We  rejoice  that  the 
general  government  stopped  the  torrent  of  usurpation,  and  ex 
hibited  the  features  of  firmness,  justice,  and  generosity. 


THE   UNITED  STATES. 

xecutive  department,  Geo.  Milledgeville,  \~th  Feb.  1827. 
Ordered,  That  the  attorney  and  solicitors  general  of  this 
state,  in  every  instance  of  complaint  made  of  the  arrest  of  any 
.surveyor,  engaged  in  the  survey  of  the  late  acquired  territory, 
'.>y  any  civil  process,  under  the  authority  of  the  government  ot" 
the  United  States,  do  take  all  necessary  and  legal  measures  to 
effect  the  liberation  of  the  person  so  arrested,  and  to  bring  to 
justice  either  by  indictment  or  otherwise,  the  officers  or  par- 
iies  concerned  in  such  an  arrest,  as  offenders  against  the 
laws  and  violaters  of  the  peace  and  personal  security  of  tho 
public  officers  and  citizens  of  this  state.  That  they  give  pro 
fessional  advice  and  assistance  in  their  defence  against  any 
prosecution  or  action  which  may  be  instituted  against  them  as 
officers  in  the  service  of  the  state,  and  that  they  promptly  make 
known  to  this  department  their  acts  and  doings  in  the  premises. 
It  is  moreover  enjoined  on  the  civil  magistrates  of  this  state, 
having  competent  jurisdiction  of  the  same,  to  be  acting  and  as 
sisting  in  enquiring  into  the  cause  of  every  such  arrest  or  deten 
tion  as  aforesaid,  that  the  person  may  be  discharged  forthwith, 
if  illegally  or  unjustly  detained,  and  in  affording  such  redress  to 
the  aggrieved  or  injured  party  as  by  law  he  may  be  entitled  to 
receive. 

By  the  governor,  E.  H.  PIERCE,  Sec. 

Head  quarters,  Milledgeville,  11  th  Feb.   1827. 

ORDERS. 

The  major  generals  commanding  the  6th  and  7th  divisions 
will  immediately  issue  orders  to  hold  in  readiness  the  several 
regiments  and  battalions  within  their  respective  commands  to 
repel  any  hostile  invasion  of  the  territory  of  this  state.  Depots 
of  arms'a  id  ammunition  central  to  each  division  will  be  estab 
lished  in  due  time. 

By  the  commander-in-chief, 

JOHN  VV.  A.  SANFORD,  Aid-de-camp. 

This  cororress  closed  its  session  on  the  third  of  March,  and 
the  twentieth  congress  opened  its  sittings  on  the  third  of  De 
cember,  1827. 

On  the  fourth,  the  message  of  the  president  was  received  and 
read  in  both  houses.  After  giving  a  general,  but  concise  and 
elevating  view  of  our  situation  as  a  people,  he  thus  speaks  of 
our  foreign  concerns: — "  Our  relations  of  friendship  with  the 
other  natior  s  of  the  earth,  political  and  commercial,  have  beea 
preserved  unimpaired  :  and  the  opportunities  to  improve  them 
have  been  cultivated  with  anxious  and  unremitting  attention. 
A  negotiation  upon  subjects  of  high  and  delicate  interest,  with 
he  government  of  Great  Britain,  has  terminated  in  the  adiust- 
37 


434  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

ment  of  some  of  the  questions  at  issue  upon  satisfactory  termtfs 
and  the  postponement  of  others  for  future  discussion  and  agree 
ment.  The  purposes  of  the  convention  concluded  at  St.  Pe 
tersburg,  on  the  12th  day  of  July,  1822,  under  the  mediation  oi 
the  late  emperor  Alexander,  have  been  carried  into  effect  by  a 
subsequent  convention,  concluded  at  London  on  the  13th  of" 
November,  1826,  the  ratifications  of  which  were  exchanged  at 
that  place  on  the  6th  day  of  February  last.  A  copy  of  the 
proclamation  issued  on  the  nineteenth  day  of  March  last,  pub 
lishing  this  convention,  is  herewith  communicaied  to  congress. 
The  sum  of  twelve  hundred  and  four  thousand  nine  hundred  and 
sixty  dollars,  therein  stipulated  to  be  paid  to  the  claimants  of 
indemnity  under  the  first  article  of  the  treaty  of  Ghent,  has  been 
duly  received,  and  the  commission  instituted,  conformably  to 
the  act  of  congress  of  the  second  of  March  last,  for  the  distri 
bution  of  the  indemnity  to  the  persons  entitled  to  receive  it. 
are  now  in  session,  and  approaching  the  consummation  of  their 
labors.  This  final  disposal  of  one  of  the  most  painful  topics  of 
collision  between  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain,  not  only 
affords  an  occasion  of  gratulation  to  ourselves,  but  has  had  the 
happiest  effect  in  promoting  a  friendly  disposition,  and  in  sof 
tening  asperities  upon  other  objects  of  discussion.  Nor  ought  it 
to  pass  without  the  tribute  of  a  frank  and  cordial  acknowledg 
ment  of  the  magnanimity  with  which  an  honorable  nation,  by 
the  reparation  of  their  own  wrongs,  achieves  a  triumph  more 
glorious  than  any  field  of  blood  can  ever  bestow. 

"  The  conventions  of  3d  July,  1815,  and  of  20th  October,  1818, 
will  expire,  by  their  own  limitation,  on  the  20th  October,  1828. 
These  have  regulated  the  direct  commercial  intercoure  between 
the  United  States  and  Great  Britain,  upon  terms  of  the  most 
perfect  reciprocity  ;  and  they  effected  a  temporary  compromise 
of  the  respective  rights  and  claims  to  territory  westward  of  the 
Rocky  mountains.  These  arrangements  have  been  cootinuecE 
for  an  indefinite  period  of  time,  after  the  expiration  of  the  above 
mentioned  conventions ;  leaving  each  party  the  liberty  of  ter 
minating  them,  by  giving  twelve  months  notice  to  the  other. 
The  radical  principle  of  all  commercial  intercourse  between  in 
dependent  nations,  is  the  mutual  interest  of  both  parties.  It  is 
the  vital  spirit  of  trade  itself;  nor  can  it  be  reconciled  to  the 
nature  of  man,  or  to  the  primary  laws  of  human  society,  that 
any  traffic  should  long  be  willingly  pursued,  of  which  all  the  ad 
vantages  are  on  one  side,  and  all  the  burdens  on  the  other. 
Treaties  of  commerce  have  been  found,  by  experience,  to  be . 
among  the  most  effective  instruments  for  promoting  peace  and 
harmony  between  nations  whose  interests,  exclusively  consid 
ered  on  either  side  are  brought  into  frequent  collisions  by  com 
petition.  In  framing  such  treaties,  it  is  the  duty  of  each  partj 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  435 

-sot  simply  to  urge  with  unyielding  pertinacity  that  which  suits 
its  own  interest,  but  to  concede  liberally  to  that  which  is  adap 
ted  to  the  interest  of  the  other.  To  accomplish  this,  little  more 
?s  generally  required  than  a  simple  observance  of  the  rule  of 
reciprocity  ;  and  were  it  possible  for  the  statesmen  of  one  na 
tion,  by  stratagem  and  management,  to  obtain  from  the  weak 
ness  or  ignorance  of  another,  an  over-reaching  treaty,  such  a 
compact  would  prove  an  incentive  to  war  rather  than  a  bond  of 
peace.  Our  conventions  with  Great  Britain  are  founded  upon 
the  principles  of  reciprocity.  The  commercial  intercourse  be 
tween  the  two  countries  is  greater  in  magnitude  and  amount 
than  bet  ween  any  two  other  nations  on  the  globe.  It  is,  lor 
all  purposes  of  benfit  or  advantage  to  both,  as  precious,  and,  in 
all  probability,  far  more  extensive,  than  if  the  parties  were  still 
constituent  parts  of  one  and  the  same  nation.  Treaties  be 
tween  such  states,  regulating  the  intercourse  of  peace  between 
them,  and  adjusting  interests  of  such  transcendent  importance 
to  both,  which  have  been  found,  in  a  long  experience  of  years, 
mutually  advantageous,  should  not  be  lightly  cancelled  or  dis 
continued.  Two  conventions,  for  continuing  in  force  those 
above  mentioned,  have  been  concluded  between  the  plenipo 
tentiaries  of  the  two  governments,  on  the  6th  of  August  last, 
and  will  be  forthwith  laid  before  the  senate  for  the  exercise  of 
their  constitutional  authority  concerning  them." 

He  then  alludes  to  the  execution  of  the  treaties  of  1782,  and 
'83,  respecting  the  boundary  line  of  the  Union,  showing  that 
difficulties  had  arisen  respecting  their  adjustment.  Commis 
sioners  had  been  appointed  by  both  parties,  to  settle  these 
questions,  but  the  object  had  not  been  fully  accomplished,  and 
a  convention  of  September  1826,  was  intended  for  reference  to 
the  senate.  He  then  notices  a  communication  from  the  gover 
nor  of  Maine,  touching  the  difficulties  respecting  territorial 
jurisdiction,  which  had  occurred  in  the  vicinity  of  that  state, 
and  concludes  the  subject  by  stating  that  he  had  taken  mea 
sures  to  obtain  the  best  information  of  facts  in  the  case,  which 
should  be  communicated  when  received.  He  also  reverts  to 
the  difficulties  and  embarrassments  arising  from  the  Britishco- 
ionial  regulations,  which  he  states  as  not  yet  approximating  to 
a  friendly  understanding. 

In  speaking  of  France,  he  states  that  our  commerce  with 
that  people  is  increasing,  while  it  is  a  source  of  regret,  that 
v;ur  demands  on  that  government  for  spoliations,  remain  un 
settled.  With  the  Kingdom  of  Sweden,  a  new  treaty  had  been 
concluded,  and  a  minister  plenipotentiary  from  the  Hanseatic 
towns  received.  With  Russia  we  are  at  peace,  and  the  good 
understanding  which  subsisted  with  Alexander,  has  not  been 


436  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

interrupted  by  the  succession  of  his  brother  Nicholas,  to  the 
empire. 

Of  the  Creeks,  he  speaks  most  feelingly,  and  notices  the  let 
ter  of  thanks  from  the  president  of  that  country,  which  was  to 
be  translated,  and  placed  before  congress. 

Alluding  to  our  southern  neighbours,  he  says  : IC  In  tho  Amer 
ican  hemisphere,  the  cause  of  freedom  and  independer.ee  has 
continued  to  prevail  ;  and  if  signalized  by  none  of  thesf  splen 
did  triumphs  which  had  crowned  with  glory  some  of  th  ;  prece 
ding  years,  it  has  only  been  from  the  banishment  of  all  exter 
nal  force  against  which  the  struggle  had  been  maintained.  The 
shout  of  victory  has  been  superseded  by  the  expulsion  of  the 
enemy  over  whom  it  could  have  been  achieved.  Our  friendly 
wishes  and  cordial  good  will,  which  have  constantly  followed 
the  southern  nations  of  America  in  oil  the  vicissitudes  of  their 
war  of  independence,  are  succeeded  by  a  solicitude,  equally  ar 
dent  and  cordial,  that  by  the  wisdom  arid  purity  of  their  insti 
tutions,  they  may  secure  to  themselves  the  choicest  blessings 
of  social  order,  and  the  best  rewards  of  virtuous  liberty." 

The  message  then  alludes  to  our  remaining  difficulties  with 
Brazil,  which  he  had  t.aken  measures  to  settle,  and  finally  re 
turns  to  the  more  grateful  subjects  of  our  internal  concerns, 
thus  : 

"  Turning  from  the  momentous  concerns  of  our  union,  in  its 
intercourse  with  foreign  nations,  to  those  of  the  deepest  inter 
est  in  the  administration  of  our  internal  affairs,  we  find  the 
revenues  of  the  present  year  corresponding  as  nearly  as  might 
be  expected  to  the  anticipations  of  the  last,  and  presenting  an 
aspect  still  more  favourable  in  the  promise  of  i  he  next.  The 
balance  in  the  treasury,  on  the  first  of  January  last,  was  six 
millions  three  hundred  and  fifty-eight  thousand  six  hundred  and 
eighty  six-dollars  and  eighteen  cents.  The  receipts  from  that 
day  to  the  30th  of  {September  last,  as  near  as  the  returns  of  them 
yet  received  can  show,  amount  to  sixteen  millions  eight  hun 
dred  and  eighty-six  thousand  five  hundred  and  eighty-one  dol 
lars  and  thirty  two  cents.  The  receipts  of  the  present  quarter, 
estimated  at  four  millions  five  hundred  and  fifteen  thousand,  ad 
ded  to  the  above,  form  an  aggregate  of  twenty- one  millions  four 
hundred  thousand  dollars  of  receipts.  The  expenditures  of  the 
year  may  perhaps  amount  to  twenty-two  millions  three  hundred 
thousand  dollars,  presenting  a  small  excess  over  the  receipts. 
But,  of  these  twenty-two  millions,  upwards  of  six  have  been 
applied  to  the  discharge  of  the  principal  of  the  public  debt  ; 
the  whole  amount  of  which,  approaching  seventy-four  millions 
on  the  first  of  January  last,  will,  on  the  first  day  of  next  year, 
fall  short  of  sixty-seven  millions  and  a  half.  The  balance  in 
the  treasury,  on  the  first  of  January  next,  it  is  expected  will 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  437 

exceed  five  millions  four  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars,  a 
sum  exceeding  that  of  the  first  of  January,  1825,  though  falling 
^short  of  that  exhibited  on  the  first  of  January  last. 

"  It  was  foreseen  that  the  revenue  of  the  present  year  would 
not  equal  that  of  the  last,  which  had  itself  been  lees  than  that 
of  the  next  preceding  year.  But  the  hope  has  been  realized 
which  wus  entertained,  that  these  deficiences,  would  in  nowise 
interrupt  the  steady  operation  of  the  discharge  of  the  public 
debt  by  the  annual  ten  millions  devoted  to  that  object  by  the 
act  of  3d  March,  1817. 

"  The  amount  of  duties  secured  on  merchandise  imported  from 
the  commencement  of  the  year  until  the  30th  of  Sep'ember  last, 
is  twenty-one  millions  two  hundred  and  twenty-six  thousand, 
and  the  probable  amount  of  that  wh'ch  will  be  secured  during 
the  remainder  of  the  year,  is  five  millions  seven  hundred  and 
seventy  four  thousand  dollars  ;  forming  a  sum  total  of  twenty 
seven  millions.  With  the  allowances  for  drawbacks  and  contin 
gent  deficiences  which  "iay  occur,  though  not  specifically  fore 
seen,  we  may  safely  estimate  the  receipis  of  the  ensuing  year 
at  twenty-two  millions  three  hundred  thousand  dollars;  a 
revenue  for  the  next,  equal  to  the  expenditure  of  the  present 
year. 

"The  deep  solicitude  felt  by  our  citizens  of  all  classes  through 
out  the  union  for  the  total  discharge  of  the  public  debt,  will 
apologize  for  the  earnestness  with  which  i  deem  it  my  duty  to 
urge  this  topic  upon  the  consideration  of  congress — of  recom 
mending  to  them  again  the  observance  of  the  strictest  economy 
in  the  application  of -the  public  funds.  The  depression  upon 
the  receipts  of  the  revenue  which  had  commenced  with  the 
year  1826,  continued  with  increased  severity  during  the  two 
first  quarters  of  the  present  year.  The  returning  side  began 
to  flow  with  the  third  quarter,  and,  so  far  as  we  can  judge 
from  experience,  may  be  expected  to  continue  through  the 
course  of  the  ensuing  year.  Inihemean  time,  an  alleviation 
from  the  burden  of  the  public  debt  will,  in  the  three  years,  have 
been  effected,  to  the  amount  of  nearly  sixteen  millions,  and  the 
charge  of  annual  interest  will  have  been  reduced  upwards  of 
one  million.  But  among  the  maxims  of  political  economy  which 
the  stewards  of  the  public  moneys  should  never  suffer  with 
out  urgent  necessity  to  be  transcended,  is  tfiat  of  keeping  the 
expenditures  of  the  y§ar  within  the  limits  of  its  receipts.  The 
appropriations  of  the  two  last  yeare,  including  the  yearly  ten 
millions  of  the  sinkmg  fund,  have  each  equalled  the  promised 
revenue  of  the  ensuing  year.  While  we  foresee  with  confi 
dence  that  the  public  coffers  will  be  replenished  from  the  re 
ceipts,  as  fast  as  they  will  be  drained  by  the  expenditures,  equal 
:n  amount  to  those  of  the  current  year,  it  should  not  be  forgot- 
37* 


438  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

ten  that  they  could  ill  suffer  the  exhaustion  of  larger  disburse 
ments." 

After  noticing  the  measures  taken  with  a  view  to  internal 
improvements,  he  mentions  the  report  from  the  post  office  de 
partment,  as  very  satisfactory  and  encouraging,  and  closes  by 
recommending  the  subject  of  pensions  to  our  remaining  revolu 
tionary  officers  and  soldiers,  as  a  debt  of  justice,  rather  than 
one  of  gratitude. 

The  report  of  the  treasurer  states,  that  more  than  FIX  millions 
and  a  quarter,  by  estimation,  would  be  in  his  hands,  on  the  first 
of  January,  and  recommends  an  addition  to  the  tariff  of  1824. 
The  article  of  domestic  manufactures,  are  estimated  at  more 
than  seven  millions,  exported.  Other  exports  at  about  eighty 
millions.  He  states  that  many  on  ides  of  home  manufacture 
had  become  cheaper,  more  abundant,  and  of  superior  quality, 
since  the  adoption  of  the  tariff,  than  before,  and  pr^ssrs  on  the 
country  the  importance  of  increasing  the  tariff,  particularly  on 
wool  and  woolen  goods,  fine  cotton  goods,  bar  iron  and  hemp. 
It  is  not  possible,  however,  in  this  condensed  sketch,  to  give  an 
outline  of  this  valuable  report. 

Early  in  the  session,  steps  were  taken  to  ascertain  the  impor 
tance  of  revising  thoroughly,  the  tariff  system  of  1824.  A  com- 
mitte  vvas  appointed,  clothed  with  ample  powers  to  investigate 
the  subject.  This  report  was  made  in  February,  from  which 
we  shall  give  a  few  extracts. 

After  stating  the  many  obsiacks  necessary  tobe  overcome,  and 
the  labours  to  which  i  hey  were  subject,  the  cnmrnine  proceeds  : 
"  This  labor  being  performed,  the  committee  at  once  h.'gan  their 
examinations  of  such  witnesses,  members  of  the  house  and 
others,  as  were  wilhin  their  reach,  and  believed  to  be  possessed 
of  valuable  and  practical  information  upon  any  of  the  su'jects 
before  them.  The  examination  of  these  witnesses  was  not  com 
pleted,  when  the  arrival  of  some  attending  under  summonses, 
was  announced.  An  application  was  then  immediately  made  to 
the  house  tor  leave  to  sit  during  the  hours  of  session  of  tho 
house  ;  and  nearly  every  day  since  that  leave  was  granted,  has 
fceen  entirely  occupied,  to  tlie  almost  total  neglect  of  other  pub 
lic  and  private  duties,  in  the  laborious  examination  of  witnesses, 
pursuant  to  the  resolution  under  which  the  committee  were  act 
ing.  It  is  but.  justice  here  to  remark,  that  the  original  expec 
tation  of  the  committee,  under  the  re.-olution  offered  by  them, 
to  the  house,  was  to  have  made  an  expeditious  inquiry  into  the 
situation  of* one  or  two  manufacturing  interests,  rather  to  enable 
them  to  determine  what  further  protection  these  interests  really 
required,  than  with  the  expectation,  within  the  limited  time 
which  they  had  allowed  to  themselves  for  the  purpose  of  being 
a%Ie  to  collect  and  report  to  the  house,  a  body  of  evidence  upon 


THE  UNITED   STATES.  43y 

several  important  branches  of  our  domestic  manufactures,  so 
digested  and  arranged  as  to  be  of  any  essential  service  to  t.he 
house  or  to  the  public,  as  a  source  of  correct  information  upon 
these  complicated  subjects.  The  amendment,  however,  which 
\vas  made' to  the  resolution  by  the  house,  s->  as  to  give  the  com 
mittee  the  authority  "to  send  for,  and  exan,  ne  persons  upon 
•jatht  in  relation  to  the  present  condition  of  our  manufactures, 
and  to  report  the  min-nes  of  such  examination  to  this  house," 
it  will  readily  be  seen,  added  greatly  to  the  labor  wiich  the  com 
mittee  had  proposed  tor  ihe-iise!ves ;  as.  by  thaf.  amendment,  it 
was  made  the  duty  of  the  commute,  should  they  think  proper 
10  examine  witnesses,  to  suite  their  te.sti.nony  in  detail,  and  in 
such  order  as  to  render  it  ar  ieasi  passablv  intelligible  to  the 
house.  This  additional  lab  >r  was  in  no  other  way  exceptiona 
ble  to  the  committee  than  as  it  rendered  spmewhatdoubtful  their 
ability  to  ,<rive  their  report  to  rhe  douse  within  the  time  which 
they  had  si^niQ^d  that  it  w->uid  be  received.  But,  even  under 
this  apprehension,  so  desirous  were  the  committee  of  a  full  de- 
velopement  of  the  facts,  that  the  amended  resolution  met  their 
approbation  :  and  thev  emered  uuon  their  duties,  determined,  if 
possible,  to  realize  <IK-  expectation-  of  tile  h.»use,  so  far  at  least 
as  regarded  a  report  within  the  time  they  had  ind'cated. 

"  They  have  examined  a  little  short  of  thirty  witnesses,  and 
the  testimony  of  each,  has.ily  written  out  bv  way  of  question 
and  answer,  and  annexed  to  tins  report,  w  II  show  what  facts 
have  been  collected  by  the  examination,  as  well  as  the  extent 
of  the  labor  which  the  commit/ ee  nave  performed.  The  testi 
mony  of  each  witness  after  it  was  taken,  had  been  carefully 
read  over  with  him,  and  so  corrected  as  to  meet  the  full  asseni 
of  the  witness  to  its  accuracy. 

41  The  leading  subjects  presented  to  tho  committee  for  addi 
tional  protection,  are  iron  and  several  manufactures  of  it,  wool 
and  its  fabrics,  he: up  and  some  of  the  manufactures  from  it,  flax 
and  its  manufactures,  and  domestic  distilled  spirits  from  gr-iiii, 
particular  descriptions  of  glass,  and  fine  and  printed  cottons. 
Upon  all  these  subjects,  witnesses  have  been  examined,  and  their 
testimony,  herewith  reported,  comprises  the  evidence,  upon 
each  subject,  which  the  committee  have  taken  under  the  reso 
lution  of  the  house,  and  embodies  nr.ost  of  the  information  upon 
which  they  have  acted  in  determining  the  features  of  the  bill 
which  they  have  agreed  upon. 

"•  The  first  subject  which  will  be  found  in  the  bill,  is  that  of 
iron,  and  considering  the  imnortance  of  the  article,  as  one  of 
both  national  and  individual  necessity,  the  changes  in  the  pre 
sent  rates  of  duty  are  comparatively  very  light. 

"  The  next  subject  in  order  is  that  of  wo  >l  and  woollens.  To 
these  subjects  the  greater  part  of  the  testimony  of  the  witnes- 


440  UNIVERSAL    HISTORY   OF 

ses  has  been  directed,  and  the  committee  have  used  every  effort 
in  their  power  to  obtain  precise  information  as  to  the  facts  as 
they  do  actually  exist  in  relation  to  the  interests  both  of  the 
wool  grower  and  the  manufacturer  of  wool.  The  real  impor 
tance  of  these  subjects  to  those  sections  of  the  country  where 
wool  is  grown,  and  in  which  the  manufactories  are  located,  the 
feeling  which  has  for  some  time  agitated  the  public  mind  through 
out  the  whole  country,  in  relation,  on  the  one  side,  to  the  ne 
cessity  of  further  protection  to  them,  and  on  the  other  side,  to 
the  injurious  effects  which  such  a  measure  would  have  upon 
the  purchasers  of  woollen  fabrics,  have-all  conspired  to  induce 
this  exertion  on  the  part  of  the  committee.  They  have  there 
fore  made  the  examinations  of  the  witnesses,  upon  ihose  sub 
jects,  as  minute  as  possible,  and,  perhaps,  in  some  instances, 
they  may  appear  tediously  so.  Indeed, 'many  of  the  questions 
put  to  the  witnesses  will  afford  abundant  evidence  that  the  com 
mittee  had  not  sufficient  practical  knowledge  upon  the  subjects 
before  them  to  enable  them  to  make  a  series  of  interrogations. 
the  answers  to  which  would  place  the  testimony  taken,  in  the 
clearest  light.  And  when  the  members  of  the  house  shall  have 
examined  the  evidence  relating  to  the  manufacture  of  woollen 
goods,  the  committee  cannot  doubt  they  will  be  entirely  convin 
ced  that  none  but  a  person  intimately  acquainted  with  the  vari 
ous  operations,  could  have  drawn  out  a  series  of  questions  upon 
the  subject,  susceptible  of  clear  and  intelligible  answers.  The 
time  of  the  committee  did  not  authorize  even  an  attempt  to  do 
this,  and,  therefore,  the  examinations,  and  particularly  of  some 
of  the  witnesses  first  examined,  will  appear,  as  they  were  really 
taken — the  one  answer,  in  many, -if  not  in  most  instances,  sug 
gesting  the  subsequent  question.  It  will  also  be  found  upon  an 
examination  of  the  testimony,  that  the  manufacture  of  wool 
lens  is  hardly  susceptible  of  being  reduced  within  the  limits  of 
exact  mathematical  calculation,  so  as  to  enable  the  committee 
to  arrive  with  this  kind  of  certainty,  at  the  amount  of  duty 
which  will  furnish  full  protection,  and  at  the  same  time,  will  not 
go  beyond  that  point.  Certain  positions,  however,  they  believe 
to  be  proved  by  the  evidence  they  have  taken,  which  furnish 
great  assistance  in  approaching  to  correct  conclusions." 

From  all  which  the  committee  could  gather  on  the  subject, 
they  think  the  following  positions  may  be  fairly  stated. — 

1st.  That  the  manufacture  of  woollen  goods  in  this  country, 
is,  at  this  time,  a  business  laboring  under  severe  depressions, 
and  attended  with  loss  more  severe  upon  the  finer  qualities. 

2d.  That  these  depressions  are  owing,  in  a  yery  groat  degree, 
to  the  excessive  and  irregular  importations  of  foreign  woollen 
iroods  into  our  markets  :  thus  causing  a  fluctuation  in,  and  au 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  441 

uncertainty  of  price  for  those  goods,  more  injurious  to  the 
American  manufacturer  than  even  the  depression  of  price 
which  these  importations  produce. 

3d.  That  the  difference  between  the  prices  of  wool,  of  the 
same  quality,  in  this  country  and  in  England,  is  at  the  present 
time  about  fifty  per  cent,  in  favor  of  the  latte*'  country. 

4th.  That  the  c^st  of  raw  wool  in  this  country  is  about  one 
half  of  the  cost  of  the  fabric,  when  prepared  for  the  market,  as 
a  general  rule  applying  to  most  kinds  of  cloths. 

5th.  That  if  the  cost  of  .the  wool  and  the  cost  of  the  foreign 
materials  used  for  dying,  were  the  same  in  both  countries,  the 
process  of  manufacturing  the  wool  into  cloth,  fitted  for  the  mar 
ket,  can  be  performed  as  cheap  in  this  country  as  it  can  in 
England. 

6th.  That  the  present  duty  on  woollen  goods  does  not  furnish 
the  desired  protectiou,  and  that  no  reasonable  duty  can  bt  ef 
fectual,  unless  it  be  a  specific  square  yard,  instead  of  ad  valorem 
duty. 

Taking,  then  these  positions  as  granted,  the  committee  pro 
posed  to  lay  the  following  duties  : 

1st.  Upon  all  manufactures  of  wool,  or  of  which  wool  shall 
be  a  component  part,  the  actual  value  of  which  at  the  place 
whence  imported,  shall  not  exceed  fifty  cents  per  square  yard,  a 
specific  duty  of  sixteen  cents  upon  every  square  yard. 

2d.  Upon  all  manufactures  of  wool,  or  of  which  wool  shall 
be  a  component  part,  the  actual  value  of  which,  at  the  place 
whence  imported,  shall  exceed  fifty  cents  per  square  yard,  and 
shall  not  exceed  $1  00  per  square  yard,  a  specific  duty  of  40 
cents  upon  every  square  yard. 

3d.  Upon  manufactures  of  wool,  or  of  which  wool  shall  be 
a  component  part,  the  actual  value  of  which  at  the  place 
whence  imported,  shall  exceed  $1  00  per  square  yard,  and  shall 
not  exceed  $2  50  per  square  yard,  a  specific  duty  of  $1  00  upon 
every  square  yard. 

4th.  Upon  all  manufactures  of  wool  or  of  which  wool  shall 
be  a  component  part,  the  actual  value  of  which  at  the  place 
whence  imported  shall  exceed  gj  50  per  square  yard,  and  shall 
not  exceed  $4  00  per  square  yard,  shall  be  deemed  to  have  cost 
$400  per  square  yard,  and  at  s.ich  valuation,  shall  be  charged 
with,  and  pay  a  duty  of,  40  per  centum  advaiorem. 

5th.  Upon  all  manufactures  of  wool,  &o.  the  actual  value  of 
which,  at  the  place  whence  imported,  shall  exceed  $4  00  per 
square  yard,  shall  be  charged  with,  and  pay  a  duty  of,  45  per 
centum  ad  valorem. 

The  attention  of  the  committee  was  next  turned  to  hemp  ami 
flax,  and  certain  manufactures  from  them.  After  showing  that 
our  country  can  raise  and  manufacture  from  these  articles  to 


442  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

advantage,  and  that  in  some  points  they  form  an  important  item 
in  the  products  of  this  country,  they  propose  to  lay  a  duty  of 
$10  the  ton,  on  raw  hemp,  and  $9  the  Ion  on  flax,  and  would 
make  the  rate  of  duty  progressive,  until  it  should  arrive  at  $60 
the  ton  on  each. 

On  foreign  distilled  spirits  the  committee  proposed  an  addi 
tional  duty  of  ten  cents,  and  on  foreign  molasses,  an  increase  of 
five  cents  the  gallon. 

The  great,  importance  of  a  National  System,  is  so  evident, 
that  few  doubt  the  propriety  of  a  tariff  for  the  protection  of  do 
mestic  manufactures.  This  was  the  all  absorbing  business 
of  the  last  session,  and  the  measure  has  been  effected.  Wheth 
er  all  the  details  are  unexceptionable,  is  left  for  practice  to  de- 
termint.  If  faults  should  be  discovered,  they  can  be  remedied 
by  the  legislature.  If  it  should  have  an  unequal  bearing  on 
different  sections  of  the  Union,  the  difficulty  may  be  obviated; 
or,  if  not,  the  only  evils  which  will  remain,  are  those  which  are 
inseparable  from  all  general  systems.  All  that  can  be  required, 
is  the  greatest  good  of  the  whole  as  a  nation. 

That  opposition  should  be  manifested  to  any  great  national 
change  is  not  surprising ;  it  would  rather  surprise  if  this  were 
not  the  case.  No  such  change  can  be  made,  without  effecting1 
individual  interest.  But,  where  the  great,  the  permanent  in 
terests,  and  permanent  prosperity  of  the  country  are  at  stake, 
both  wisdom  and  duty  diqtate,  that  the  minor  interests  should 
give  way.  The  balance  of  trade  has  been  long  enough  against 
us.  Commercial  difficulties  and  scarcity  of  money,  substantiate 
the  fact  conclusively.  To  retrace  our  steps,  and  take  an  inde 
pendent  stand,  was  our  only  safe  alternative,  and  we  rejoice  that 
this  course  has  been  pursued,  because  we  are  fully  persuaded 
that  the  step  will  ultimately  result  in  good. 

Remarks  upon  Part  Third, 

The  Mississippi,  the  Missouri,  the  Ohio,  no  longer  flows  through 
a  wilderness  ;  large  three  masted  ships  sail  up  them,  and  more 
than  two  hundred  steam  boats  enliven  their  banks. 

Thus  the  United  States  cherish  within  their  bosom,  under  the 
protection  of  liberty,  an  image  and  a  memorial  of  most  of  the 
celebrated  places  of  ancient  and  modern  Europe — like  that  gar 
den  iii  the  Campagna  of  Rome,  in  which  Adrian  had  models  of 
the  different  monuments  of  his  empire  erected. 

It  should  be  observed  that  there  is  scarcely  a  county  but  has 
a  town,  village,  or  hamlet,  called  Washington:  touching  una 
nimity  of  the  gratitude  of  a  nation  ! 

Thirty  high  roads  meet  at  Washington,  as  tho  Roman  roads 
met  at  ancient  Rome,  and  diverging  from  that  point,  run  to  the 


THE    UNITED  STATES.  443 

circumference  of  the  United  States.   The  whole  forming  an  in 
terior  circulation  of  roads  of  25,747  miles. 

From  the  points  to  which  these  roads  tend  it  is  obvious  (hat 
traverse  tracts  formerly  wild,  but  now  cultivated  and  inha 
bited.  On  a  great  number  of  these  roads  you  may  travel,  post, 
or  public  stage  coaches  carry  you  from  place  to  place  af  a  mo 
derate  price.  You  may  now  "take  the  diligence  for  the  Ohio,  or 
the  Falls  of  Niagara,  as  in  former  time  you  engaged  an  Indian 
guide  or  interpreter.  Cross  roads  branch  off  from  the  principal 
roads,  and  are  equally  provided  with  the  means  of  conveyance. 
These  means  are  almost  always  of  two  kinds,  for  as  there  are  ev 
ery  where  lakes  and  rivers,  you  may  travel  either  in  row  boats, 
sailing  boats,  or  steam  vessels. 

Vessels  of  the  latter  class  make  regular  trips  from  Boston  and 
New- York  to  New-Orleans;  the>  arc  likewise  established  on 
the  lakes  of  Canada,  the  Ontario,  the  Erie,  the  Michigan,  the 
Champlain  ;  on  those  lakes  where  thirty  years  ago  scarcely  the 
canoes  of  savages  were  to  be  seeu,  find  where  ships  of  the  line 
now  engage  one  another. 

The  steam  vessels  of  the  United  States  are  not  only  subser 
vient  to  the  wants  of  commerce,  and  of  travellers,  but  are  also 
employed  for  the  defence  of  the  country ;  some  of  them,  of  im 
mense  size,  placed  at  the  mouth  of  rivers,  armed  with  cannon 
and  boiling  water,  resemble  at  once  and  the  same  time  modern 
citadels  and  fortresses  of  the  middle  ages. 

To  the  twehty-five  thousand  seven  hundred  and  forty-seven 
miles  of  general  roads  must  be  added  the  extent  of  four  hun 
dred  and  nineteen  district  roads,  and  of  fifty-eight  thousand  one 
hundred  and  thirty-seven  miles  of  water-ways.  The  canals  in 
crease  the  number  of  the  latter  :  the  Middlesex  canal  joins  the 
harbour  at  Boston  with  the  river  Merricnack  ;  the  Champlain 
canal  forms  a  communication  between  that  lake  and  the  Cana 
dian  seas  ;  the  famous  Erie  or  New-York  canal,  now  unites 
Lake  Erie  and  the  Atlantic  ;  the  Santee,  Chesapeake  and  Al- 
bemarle  canals  were  constructed  by  the  States  of  Carolina 
and  Virginia;  and  as  broad  rivers  running  in  different  direc 
tions  approach  to  wards  their  sources,  nothing  was  easier  than  to 
connect  them  together.  Five  roads  to  the  Pacific  Ocean  are 
already  known ;  one  only  of  these  roads  passes  through  the 
Spanish  territory. 

A  law  of  Congress,  passed  in  the  session  of  1824-5,  directs 
the  establishment  of  a  military  post  at  Oregon.  The  Ameri 
cans,  who  have  a  settlement  on  the  Columbia,  c*>n  thue  pene 
trate  to  the  great  ocean  by  a  zone  of  land  nearly  six  degree* 
in  breadth,  between  English,  Russian,  and  Spanish  America. 

There  are,  nevertheless,  natural  limits  to  colonization.  The 
forests  to  the  north  and  west  of  the  Missouri  are  bounded  by 


444  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

immense  steppes,  where  not  a  tree  is  to  be  seen,  and  which  seem 
to  be  unsusceptible  of  culture,  though  grass  grows  abundantly 
upon  them.  This  verdant  Arabia  affords  a  passage  to  the  colo 
nists  who  repair  in  caravans  to  the  Rocky  Mountains  and  New- 
Mexico  ;  it  separates  the  United  States  of  the  Atlantic  from  the 
United  States  of  the  South  Sea,  like  those  deserts  which,  in 
the  Old  YVorfd,  are  interposed  between  fertile  regions.  An  A- 
merican  has  offered  to  construct,  at  his  own  expense,  a  solid 
high  road  from  St.  Louis  on  the  Missisippi  to  the  mouth  of  the 
Columbia,  if  Congress  will  grant  him  a  tract  ten  miles  in  depth, 
on  either  side  of  the  road.  This  gigantic  proposal  has  not  been 
accepted. 

In  the  year  1789,  there  were  c  nly  seventy-five  post-offices  in 
the  United  States:  there  are  now  upwards  of  seven  thousand. 
From  1790  to  1795,  these  offices  increased  from  seventy-five  to 
four  hun-lred  and  fifty-three;  in  1800  their  number  was  nine 
hundred  and  three;  in  1805  they  amounted  to  fifteen  hundred 
and  fifty  eight ;  in  1810  to  two  thousand  three  hundred  ;  in  1817 
to  three  thousand  three  hundred  and  fifty-nine;  in  1820  to  four 
thousand  and  thirty  ;  in  1828  to  nearly  eight  thousand. 

Letters  and  packets  are  conveyed  by  mail  coaches,  which  tra 
vel  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  miles  a  day,  and  by 
couriers,  on  horseback  and  un  foot. 

Offices  for  the  sale  of  public  lands  are  opened  in  the  States  of 
Ohio  and  Indiana,  in  the  territory  of  Michigan,  Missouri,  and 
Arkansas,  and  in  the  States  of  Louisiana,  Mississippi,  and  Ala 
bama.  It  is  computed  that  one  hundred  and  fifty  millions  of 
acres  of  land  fit  for  cultivation,  exclusively  of  the  soil  of  vast 
forests,  yet  remain  to  be  disposed  of.  These  hundred  and  fifty 
millions  of  acres  are  estimated  to  be  worth  fifteen  hundred  mil 
lions  of  dollars,  at  ihe  average  rate  of  ten  dollars  per  acre,  and 
reckoning  the  dollar  at  no  more  than  three  francs — a  very  low 
calculation  in  every  respect. 

We  find  twenty  five  military  posts  in  the  Northern  States 
and  twenty  two  in  the  Southern. 

In  1790,  the  population  of  the  United  States  was  3,929,326 
souls;  in  1800,  it  was  5,305,666 ;  in  1810,  7,239,300;  in  1820, 
9,609,827,  This  last  number  included  1,581,436  slaves. 

The  population  of  the  United  States  has  increased  every 
ten  years,  from  1790  to  1820,  at  the  rate  of  thirty  five  per  cent. 
Eight  years  liave  already  elapsed  of  the  ten,  which  will  be  com- 
pJeted  in  1830,  when,  it  is  presumed  the  population  of  the  Uni 
ted  States  will  be  little  short  of  12,875,000  souls  ;  and  the  state 
of  Ohio  will  have  850,000  inhabitants,  and  that  of  Kentucky 
750,000. 

If  the  population  were  to  go  on  doubling  every  twenty-five 
years,  the  United  States  would  have  in  1855,  a  population  of 


THE   UNITED  STATES,  446 

25,750,000  souls  ;  and  in  twenty-five  years  more,  that  is  to  «ay: 
in  1880,  that  population  would  exceed  fifty  millions. 

In  1821,  the  value  of  native  and  foreign  productions  exported 
from  the  United  States  amounted  to  the  sum  of  64,974,382  dol 
lars.  In  the  same  year  the  public  revenue  was  14,264,000  doJ- 
lars  :  the  excess  of  the  receipts  beyond  the  expenditure  was 
3,334,826  dollars.  In  the  same  year,  also,  the  national  deb4, 
was  reduced  to  89,204,235  dollars. 

The  army  has  sometimes  been  raised  to  one  hundred  thou 
sand  men  :*  and  the  Navy  of  the  United  States  is  composed  of 
eleven  sail  of  the  line,  nine  frigates,  and  fifty  other  ships  of  va 
rious  sizes. 

It  is  superfluous  to  sav  any  thing  concerning  the  constitu 
tions  of  the  different  states  :  it  is  sufficient  to  know  that  they 
are  all  free. 

There  is  no  predominant  religion,  but  every  citizen  is  expec 
ted  to  conform  to  some  mode  of  Christian  worship.  The 
Catholic  religion  is  making  considerable  progress  in  the  West 
ern  States. 

Supposing,  which  I  believe  to  be  the  case,  that  the  statistical 
summaries  published  by  the  United  States  are  exaggerated  by 
the  national  vanity,  slill  there  will  be  left  a  total  of  prosperity 
well  worthy  of  our  highest  admiration. 

To  complete  this  astonishing  picture,  we  must  figure  to  our 
selves  cities  like  Boston,  New -York,  Philadelphia,  Baltimore, 
Savannah,  New  Orleans,  lighted  at  night,  filled  with  horses  and 
carriages,  offering  all  the  gratifications  of  luxury,  brought  to 
their  ports  by  thousands  of  ships  ;  we  must  figure  to  ourselves 
the  lakes  of  Canada,  formerly  so  solitary,  now  covered  with 
frigates,  brigs,  cutters,  boats,  steam-vessels,  intermixed  with 
the  canoes  of  the  Indians,  as  the  large  ships- and  galleys  art 
with  pinks,  sloops,  and  caiques,  in  the  waters  of  the  Bosphorus. 
Churches  and  houses,  embellished  with  columns  ot  Grecian 
urchitecture,  rise  from  amidst  these  forests,  and  on  the  banks  oi* 
these  rivers,  the  ancient  ornaments  of  the  wilderness.  Add  to 
these,  spacious  colleges,  observatories,  erected  for  science  in 
the  abode  of  savage  ignorance  ;  all  religions,  all  opinions, 
dwelling  together  -in  peace,  laboring  in  concert  for  the  meliora 
tion  of  the  human  race,  and  the  developement  of  the  human  un 
derstanding.  Such  are  the  prodigies  of  liberty. 

The  Abbe  Raynal  offered  a  prize  for  a  solution  of  the  ques 
tion  :  4*  What  influence  will  the  discovery  of  the  New  World 
have  upon  tlie  Old  World." 

Writers  lost  themselves  in  calculations  relative  to  the  expor 
tation  and  importation  of  the  precious  metals,  the  depopulation 
of  Spain,  the   increase  of  commerce,   the  improvement  of   the 
aavy  :  nobody,  as  far  as  I  know,  sought  the  influence  of  the 
38 


440  UNIVERSAL  HISTORY  OF 

discovery  of  America  upon  Europe,  in  the  establishment  of  the 
American  Republics,  They  figured  to  themselves  the  old  mon 
archies  continuing  in  much  the  same  state  as  they  then  were, 
society  stationary,  the  human  mind  neither  advancing  nor 
retrograding;  they  had  not  the  least  idea  of  the.  revolution 
which  in  the  space  of  twenty  years  has  taken  place  in  opin 
ions. 

The  most  valuable  of  the  treasures  which  America  contains 
within  her  bosom  is  liberty  ;  every  nation  is  called  to  work  this 
inexhaustible  mine.  The  discovery  of  the  representative  re 
public  by  the  United  States  is  one  of  the  greatest  political 
events  that  ever  occurred.  This  event  proves,  as  I  have  else 
where  observed,  that  there  are  two  practicable  kinds  of  liberty  ; 
the  one  belonging  to  the  infancy  of  nations,  the  offspring  of 
manners  and  virtue,  the  liberty  of  the  first  Greeks  and  of  the 
first  Romans,  and  the  liberty  of  the  savages  of  America  ;  the 
other  born  in  the  old  age  of  nations,  the  offspring  of  knowledge 
and  reason,  the  liberty  of  the  United  States,  which  has  super 
seded  the  liberty  of  the  Indian.  Happy  country,  which  in  less 
trhan  three  centuries  has  passed  from  one  liberty  to  the  other, 
almost  without  effort,  and  by  means  of  a  contest  which  lasted 
Only  eight  years  ! 

Will  America  preserve  its  last  kind  of  liberty?  Will  there 
not  be  a  division  of  the  United  States  ?  May  we  not  already  per 
ceive  the  germs  of  these  divisions  ?  Has  not  a  representative  of 
Virginia  already  supported  the  thesis  of  the  ancient  Greek  and 
Roman  liberty  with  the  systems  of  slavery  against  a  deputy  of 
Massachusetts,  who  advocated  the  cause  of  modern  liberty 
without,  slaves,  such  as  Christianity  has  made  it  ? 

Will  not  the  Western  States,  extending  themselves  farther 
and  farther,  and  being  too  remote  from  the  Atlantic  States,  be 
desirous  of  hav.ng  a  government  to  themselves  ? 

Lastly,  are  the  Americans  a  perfect  people  ?  have  they  not 
their  vices  like  other  men  ?  are  they  moraly  superior  to  the 
English,  from  whom  they  derive  their  origin  ?  Will  not  the 
tide  of  foreign  emigration,  incessantly  pouring  upon  them  from 
all  parts  of  Europe,  eventually  destroy  the  homogeneousness 
of  their  race?  Will  not  the  mercantile  spirit  gain  ascendency?  I? 
not  >elf  interest  beginning  to  be  a  predominant  national  defect 
among  thetn  ? 

Vry  are  also  obliged  to  confess  with  pain,  that  the  estab'ish- 
ment  of  the  Republics  of.  Mexico,  Colombia,   Peru,   Chili  and  1 
Buenos    Ayres,  is  pregnant  with  danger   to  the   United  States. 
While  the. latter  had  about  them  nothing  but  the  colonies  of  a 
Transatlantic  kingdom,  war  was  not  probable. 

May  not  rivalships  now  spring  up  between  the  old  republics 
of  North  America  and  the  New  republics  of  Spanish  America  r 


THE  UNITED  STATES.  447 

Will  not  the  latter  interdict  alliance  with  European  powers  ? 
If  both  sides  should  have  recourse  to  arms  ;  if  the  military  spirit 
should  take  possession  of  the  United  States  ;  a  great  captain 
might  arise  ;  glory  loves  crowns  ;  soldiers  are  but  brilliant  for 
gers  of  chains,  and  liberty  is  not  sure  of  preserving  its  patrimo 
ny  under  the  guardianship  of  victory. 

Let  what  will  happen,  liberty  will  never  be  entirely  banished 
from  America  :  and  here  it  is  right  to  specify  one  of  the  great 
advantages  possessed  by  liberty,  the  offspring  of  manners. 

Liberty,  the  offspring  of  manners,  perishes  when  its  princi 
ple  deteriorates,  and  it  is  in  the  nature  of  manners  to  deteriorate 
with  time. 

Liberty,  the  offspring  of  manners,  begins  before  despotism 
in  the  days  of  poverty  and  obscurity  .-  it  is  lost  in  despotism; 
and  in  ages  of  glory  and  luxury. 

Liberty,  the  offspring-  of  knowledge,  shines  after  ages  of  op 
pression  and  corruption  :  it  advances  with  the  principle  which 
preserves  and  renews  it,  the  knowledge  of  which  it  is  the  ef 
fect,  instead  of  becoming  feeble  with  time,  like  the  manners 
which  gave  birth  to  the  first  liberty — knowledge,  I  say  grows 
stronger  on  the  contrary  with  time  ;  thus  it  forsakes  not  the 
liberty  which  it  has  produced  ;  constantly  about  that  liberty, 
it  is  at  once  its  generative  virtue  and  its  inexhaustible  source. 

To  conclude  ;  the  United  States  have  one  safeguard  more  : 
their  population  does  not  occupy  an  eighteenth  part  of  their  ter- 
litcfry.  America  still  dwells  in  the  wilderness  :  for  a  long  time 
to  come  her  deserts  will  be  her  manners,  and  knowledge  her 
liberty. 

RELIGION. — The  consequences  resulting  from  the  enjoyment 
of  religious  liberty  have  been  highly  favorable.  Free  d'iscus- 
sion  has  enlightened  the  ignorant,  disarmed  superstition  of  its 
Jreadful  powers,  and  consigned  to  oblivion  many  erroneous  and 
fantastic  creeds.  Religious  oppression,  and"  the  vindicitive 
feelings  it  arouses,  are  hardly  known.  Catholics  and  Protes 
tants  live  together  in  harmony  ;  and  protestants  who  disagree, 
employ,  in  defending  their  own  doctrines,  and  in  assailing 
(hose  of  their  antagonists,  tne  weapons  only  of  reason  and  elo 
quence. 

In  th£  New-England  states,  the  independents  or  congregation- 
alists  constitute  the  most  numerous  denomination  ;  in  the  mid 
dle  states,  the  presbyterians  ;  and  in  the  southern,  the  metho- 
dists.  Bapti=ts,  episcopalians,  and  Roman  catholics,  are  found 
in  all  the  states  ;  but  in  Maryland  and  Louisiana,  the  catholics 
are  more  numerous  than  elsewhere.  Each  of  these  sects  has 
•}fie  or  more  seminaries  of  learning,  in  which  its  peculiar  doc 

;nes  are  taught,  and  young  men  are  educated  for  the   minis- 


448  UNIVERSAL    HISTORY  OF 

try.     Many  other  sects  exist,  but  reason,  less  tolerant  than  the 
iaws,  is  gradually  diminishing  the  number. 

AGRICULTURE  IN  1820.— The  number  of  persons  engaged  in 
agriculture  was  2,870,646.  The  value  of  all  its  products  ex 
ported  during  the  year  ending  the  30th  of  Septemper,  1823, 
was  37,646,000  dollars.  The  principal  articles  were,  cotton 
to  the  value  of20,445,000  dollars  ;  flour  to  the  value  of  4,962,- 
000  dollars  ;  tobacco  to  the  value  of  4,852,000  dollars  ;  and 
rice  to  the  value  of  1,821,000  dollars.  The  value  of  provisions 
of  all  kinds  exported  wag  13,460,000  dollars,  and  it  has,  in  ma 
ny  years,  been  greater.  A  people  able  to  spare  such  an 
amount  of  the  necessaries  of  life  can  never  be  in  danger  of  suf 
fering  from  want. 

COMMERCE.— .The  state  of  the  world,  for  several  years  sub 
sequent  to  the  commencement  of  the  French  revolution,  offered 
great  encouragement  to  the  commercial  enterprise  of  the  couo- 
try.  While  almost  every  other  power  was  engaged  in  war, 
the  United  States  were  neutral ;  their  vessels  navigated  the 
ocean  *o  safety,  and  were  employed  10  carry  from  port  to  port, 
the  commodities  of  the  belligerent  nations.  In  fifteen  vears, 
beginning  with  1793,  these  favorable  circumstances  increased 
the  amount  of  American  tonnage  from  49 1,000  to  1,242,000 
Ions,  and  the  revenue  arising  from  commerce,  from  4,399,000 
to  16,363,000  dollars. 

In  1820,  the  number  of  persons  engaged  in  commerce  was 
72,493.  In  1823,  the  whole  amount  of  exports  was  74,799,000 
dollars  ;  the  amount  of  imports  was  77,579,009  dollars,  the  bal 
ance,  in  favor  of  the  United  States,  being  about  three  millions  of 
dollars.  As  the  imports,  however,  are  always  undervalued  at  the 
custom-house,  the  additional  wealth;  which,  in  that  year,  accru 
ed  to  the  nation  from  commerce,  was  undoubtedly  greater. 

In  other  years,  the  commerce  of  the  country  has  flourished 
more.  In  1807,  the  exports  amounted  to  108,343,000  dollars, 
and  the  imports  to  138,574,000  dollars.  The  principal  causes 
of  the  decline  which  has  taken  place,  have  been,  the  restora 
tion  of  peace  in  Europe,  and  the  increase  of  the  product  of  do 
mestic  manufactures.  The  former  has  permitted  all  other  na 
tions  to  become  our  competitors;  the  latter  has  rendered  it  un 
necessary  to  resort  to  Europe  for  most  of  the  conveniences 
and  many  of  the  luxuries  of  life.  The  depression  will  not  long- 
continue.  The  independence  of  the  South  American  republics 
has  opened  a  wide  field  for  the  enterprise  of  our  merchants,  and 
given  a  brighter  hue  to  their  future  prospects. 

DEBT,  REVENUE,  AND  EXPENDITURES. — When,  in  1790, 
the  public  debt  was  first  funded,  it  amounted  to  about  75,000,000 
of  dollars.  In  1803,  by  the  purchase  of  Louisana,  it  was  aug 
mented  to  about  85,500,000.  In  the  eight  years  which  folloy;- 


THE  UNITED  STATES. 

ed,  a  large  amount  was  paid,  leaving  due,  in  181 2,  but  little  more 
than  45,000,000.  To  defray  the  expenses  of  the  war,  which 
was  declared  in  that  year,  more  than  80,000,000  of  new  debt 
was  contracted.  A  large  portion  has  since  been  paid,  and,  on 
the  first  day  of  Janury,  1823,  the  amount  of  it  was  90,865,877 
dollars. 

The  present  revenue  of  the  republic  is  derived  principally 
from  commerce,  and  from  the  sale  of  public  lands.  In  1822, 
there  accrued  from  the  former  source,  the  sum  of  20,500,775 
dollars,  from  the  latter  source,  1,803,581  ;  and  from  other 
sources,  839,084.  The  amount,  however,  which  was  actually 
received,  during  the  year,  was  but  20,232,427. 

The  expenditures,  during  the  same  year,  were  as  follows ; 
.Civil,  diplomatic,  and  miscellaneous,  1,967,  996  ;  for  the  pay 
and  support  of  the  army,  the  construction  efforts,  the  supply  of 
arms,  the  payment  of  pensions,  and  the  various  expenses  of  the 
Indian  department,  5,635,188;  for  the  support  and  increase  of 
the  navy,  2,224,458  ;  for  the  payment  of  the  interest,  and  for 
the  redemption  of  that  portion  of  the  principal  of  the  debt  which 
became  due  within  the  year,  7,848,949  ;  amounting  in  the  whol  e 
to  17,676,591,  and  leaving  an  excess  of  revenue  over  expendi 
ture  of  2,555,836  dollars. 

Great  Britain  may  be  taken  as  a  favorable  example  of  the 
European  governments.  The  people  of  that  kingdom  pay,  an 
nually,  for  the  support  of  their  sovereign  and  his  relatives,  near 
ly  two  and  a  half  millions  of  dollars,  while  the  compensation  of 
the  president  of  the  United  States  is  but  twenty-five  thousand. 
In  the  salaries  of  the  subordinate  officers  of  government,  the 
disproportion  is  not  so  great,  but  is  generally  nevertheless,  at 
four  or  five  to  one. 

The  military  peace  establishment  of  Great  Britain  costs  an 
nually  thirty-four  millions  of  dollars  ;  that  of  the  United  States 
but  little  more  than  five  millions.  The  naval  establishment  of 
the  former  costs  twenty-two  millions ;  that  of  the  latter  less 
than  two  and  a  half  millions.  British  subjects  pay  in  taxes, 
raised  exclusively  for  national  purposes,  at  the  rate  of  fifteen 
dollars  yearly  for  each  individual ;  the  citizens  of  the  United 
States  pay,  in  national  and  state  'axes,  at  the  rate  of  but  two 
dollars.  And  as  the  whole  population  of  Great  Britain  and 
Ireland  is  included  in  the  estimate,  the  individual  wealth  of  the 
subjects  of  the  united  kingdom,  and  of  the  citizens  of  the  Amer 
ican  republic,  may  on  an,  average,  be  considered  nearly  equal 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS 

Discoveries  by  Columbus,  and  others,        .  .         page  o 
From  the  settlement  of  Jamestown   to  the  embarkation  of  the 

Plymouth  Company. 

Voyage  of  Capt.  Newport,            .                       .  13 

Attack  of  the  Natives,                                        .  .            14 

Gapt.  Smith  tried  and  acquitted,  .            ib. 

Return  ofCapt.  Newport  to  England,  ib. 

Distresses  of  the  Colonists,                .                .  .15 

Their  dissentions,                               .                ..  .            ib. 

Capt.  Smith  made  President,                            .  ib. 

Fortifications  erected  at  Jamestown,                .  16 

A  conspiracy  detected  in  the  Colony,              .  .            ib. 

The  indians  capture  Capt.  Smith,                      .  ib. 

Smith  liberated  by  Pocahontas,  17 

More  settlers  and  provisions  arrive                  .  .            ib. 

Delusion  respecting  gold  dust,                          .  .              18 

First  remittance  to  England,                             .  .             ib. 

Exploring  party  visits  the  Susquehannah,        .  ib. 

First  females  arrive  in  the  country,  19 

New  charter,  and  increase  of  settlers,               .  .            ib. 

Disputes  respecting  precedency,        .  20 

Distresses  by  famine — relieved.          .                 .  .21 

Sir  T.  Dale  arrives  with  men  and  provisions,  .            22 

Another  new  charter  issued,                             .  ib. 
Lotteries  first  granted  in  England  for  the  benefit  of  the 

Settlements,                 .                .                .  ib. 

Mr.  Rolfe  marries  Pocahontas,         .  ib. 

Land  allotted  to  individuals,              ...  23 

Edicts  against  raising  i  obacco,       .                 .  .             ib. 

Martial  law  declared,         .                .                 .  ib. 

Tyranny  of  the  deputy  governor,     .                .  .            ib. 

Sabbath  laws,  and  penalty  for  breach  thereof,  slavery,  24 

First  colonial  assembly  convened,                     .  .             ib. 

Females  transported  and  sold  for  wives.,  their  price,  .             ib« 

First  convicts  transported,                .                .  ib- 

From  (he  embarkation  of  the  Plymouth   Company,  to  the  close 
of  the   Pequot  War. 

King's  Letters  patent— boundaries,                    .  25 

Settlers  embark  at  Southampton,                       .  ib. 
Colonists  land  at  Cape  Corl, 


26 
ib. 
23 
27 

•Evils  threatened  by  Indians  and  famine,          .  ib. 

Public  Fast  and  Thanksgiving  appointed,       .  .  29 

r£-3*TiQir8  and  death  of  Rev.  J.  Robinson.,         •» — -.  ib. 


Sabbath  first  observed  in  New-England, 
Great  mortality  in  Plymouth  Colony, 
Governor  Carver  dies,  Mr.  Bradford  succeeds, 


CONTENTS.  451 

Mr.  Robinson's  address  to  the  Cojonists.  .  ,  page  33 

IwifeofGov  Carver,          .                .  .37 

Notice  of  Dr.  Ames — JVbte,  .  ib. 

Political  compact  signed,                    .  .  .39 

Treaty  with  Massasoit,                       .  .  .             ib. 

LifeofGov.  Bradford,        .  .40 

The  Narragansetts  threaten  the  Colony,  .  44 

Edward  Winslow  chosen  Governor,  .  .             ib. 

Virginia  Company  form  a  Constitution,  .  .             47 

Massacre  in  Virginia,         .                 .  .  .42 

Great  drought  in  Plymouth,              .  .  ib. 

Charlestown  settled',            ,                .  .  .49 

Fifteen  hundred  people  arrive  at  Salem,  .  .            ib. 

John  Winthrop  made  Governor,       .  .  ib. 

Churches  established.          .  .  .50 

Arrival  of  Messrs.  Ha\  ries.  Stone,  and  Hooker,  .  ib. 

Religious  conformity  exacted.  .  .             ib. 

Mrs.  Hutchins  >n  banished, — Rhode  Island  settled,         .  51 

Connecticut  River  discovered.         .  .  ib. 

Difficulty  with  the  Dutch  at  Hartford,  .  52 

Ravagescf  the -rmall-pov                   .  .  .             ib. 

Connecticut  settled — sufferings,        .  .  .53 

FirstCourt  holden  in  Connecticut,  .  .             ib. 

Charter  of  Conn   ~ticut  "blamed,     .  ;  .54 

Springfield  settle  ' — Indian  mur  ;ers,  .  .             ib. 

Capt.  Stone,  and  John  Oldham  murdered,  .  .             ib. 

Reprisals  on  thf  Indians,                    .  .  .55 

Indian  ambuscade  at  Saybrook,         .  .  .56 

Hostilities  and  Murders  frequent,     .  .  ib. 

Mr.  Hooker's  address  to  the  soldiers,  .  .            ib. 

Enterprise  under  Capt    Mason,         .  .  .57 

Attack  on  a  Pequut  Fort,                  .  .  .62 

The  Fort  and  Wigwams  burnt,  .  .             65 
The  Dutch  restore  two  captive  maids  taken  by  the  Pequots 

and  saved  by  means  of  a  squaw,  ."  .  66 
Battle  with  the  Indians  at  Fairfield,  .  ,  67 
The  triple  alliance  at  Hartford,  .  .  .69 
Thannsgiving  on  account  of  Peace,  .  .  70 
New-Haven  discovered,  .  .  .  ib. 
Earthquake  in  New-England,  .  .  .  ib. 
Increase  of  Settlements  in  Connecticut,  .  .  ib. 
Portsmouth  and  Exeter  settled.  .  .74 
New  Hampshire  separated  from  Massachusetts,  .  72 
Rhode-Island  purchased  of  the  Indians,  .  .  74 
First  permanent  settlement  in  Maine,  .  .  76 
Vermont  declared  an  independent  State,  .  .  7t> 
Remarks  on  the  Religion  of  Vermont,  .  .  77 
Quakers  first  appear  in  Massachusetts — banished  and  penal 
Statutes  framed  to  prevent  their  entrance  into  the  Col 
ony,  ...  80 
Catholics  first  come  to  America,  .  .  ifc. 


fr 


452  CONTENTS. 

First  Baptist  church  in  America,     .  page  80 

Manners  and  Customs,      .                .  ib. 

A  prohibiting  the  use  of  Tobacco,  ib- 

Agriculture  and  Commerce,            .  ib. 

Arts  and  Manufactures,    .                .  ib. 

Printing  first  introduced,  81 

Education  and  Population,                .  .            ib. 

Discovery  and  progress  of  the  Middle  and  Southern  States. 

Hudson's  voyage  and  discoveries,     .                .  .82 

Sir  Thomas  Dale  and  the  Dutch,     .                .  ib. 

Grant  of  Dutch  West  India  Company,            .  ib. 
Settlement  of  New-Jersey  by  the  Danes, 

Emigration  of  Swedes  and  Finns,  .  .  ib. 
Delaware  settled  by  Swedes  and  Finns,  .  .  ib. 
Maryland  settled  by  Roman  Catholics,  ib. 
.William  Clayborne  excites  rebellion,  .  84 
Grant  of  New  Orleans  to  Sir  W.  Heath,  .  ib. 
Indigent  subjects  transported  to  Georgia,  .  ib. 
First  house  built  in  Savannah,  .  .  85 
History  of  all  the  Colon r-s  combined,  .  .  ib. 
Judges  Whalley  andGoffe  retire  to  New-Haven,  ib. 
Charter  of  Connecticut  ivad  to  the  freemen,  ib. 
Orders  given  to  arrest  them,  .  .  .  ib. 
Difficulty  in  collecting  taxes,  .  ib. 
New  -York  submits  to  Col.  Nichols,  .  .  86 
Surrendered  back  to  a  small  Dutch  Fleet,  .  .  ib. 
Demand  of  Sir  Edmund  Andross,  ib. 
Determined  resistance  of  ('apt  T.  Bull.  .  87 
Commencement  of  Philip's  War,  .  ib. 
Defence  of  a  house  in  Brookfield,  .  .  .88 
Attacks  of  Indians  on  several  towns,  .  89 
Indian  Fort  taken  and  destroyed  with  many  of  the  men,  wo 
men  and  children,  •  .  .  .90 
Death  of  Kng  Philip,  .  .91 
Peace  concluded  with  the  Indians,  .  .  2 
Form  of  government  by  William  Penn,  .  .  ib. 
J.  E.  Andross  demands  the  Connecticut  charter,  which  is 

hidden,  .  .  *  .  93 
Tyrannical  proceedings  of  Andross,  .  .  94 
Writ  of  habass  corpus  suspended,  .  .  95 
War  between  F  ranee  and  England,  .  .  9$ 
Massacre  al  Schenectady,  .  .  .  ib, 
Casco  in  Maine  destroyed,  .  .  .  97 
An  expedition  fitted  out  against  Canada,  .  .  ib. 
Narrative  of  Sir  William  Phipps,  .  .  ib. 
Henry  Sloughter  appointed  Governor  ofNew-York,  .  1Q2 
Jjeisler  and  Melhorne  executed,  .  .  ib. 
Colonel  Fletcher  succeeds  Gov.  Sloughter,  .  ib. 
Governor  Fletcher  demands  the  submission  of  the  Connecti 
cut  Ktilitia  to  his  command .  ih 


CONTENTS.  453 

A  Treaty  between  Great  Britain  and  France,  103 

The  surprise  of  Dover,     ...  ib. 

Heroic  act  of  Mr.  Dustan,              .                .  .            104 
Distressing-  sit  lation  of  VIrs.  Dustan  and  other  captives,         105 

First  suspicion  of  Witchcraft,          .                .  .            ib. 

The  Earl  of  Bellaoiont  appointed  Governor,  .             107 

War  with  the  French,  Indians,  and  Spaniards,  .             ib. 
Durfield  surprised,  and  the  people  killed  and  made  prisoners,  ib. 

Mr.  Williams  u^.  other  prisoners  redeemed,  .             108 

Expedition  aga;;»st  Canada,            .                .  t             ib. 

Nine  Transpo^  -  lost         .                .                .  .             ib. 

Samuel  Street  £t  pointed  Governor,                .  .            109 

Indian  Wa  •  in  South  -  arolina,                        .  ib. 

Pence  between  France  and  England,            .  ib. 

William  Barne*  appointed  Governor.              .  1 10 

Forts  and  fading  houses  built  on  Lake  Ontario,  .            ib 

Indian  War — Peace  soon  restored.                 .  .              ib. 

Settlement -»f  Georgia  continue!,     .                 .  ib. 

Disturbance  among  the  Negroes  in  South  Carolina,  .             Ill 

Wa    .tgain  brok-5  out  between  England  and  France,  .             ib. 

Lou  sburg  takea  by  the  English,                    .  .            113 

Peace  restored  in  1748,                    .                .  .            114 

French  and  Indian  War. 

Causes  which  led  to  this  war,  .  .  115 
Was  ington  s  expedition,  .  .  .  ib. 
Brao  lock's  defeat,  .  .  .  .  118 
Lord  joudon  arrives  as  Commander-in-chief,  -  120 
Los  uf  Oswego,  .  .  .  .  121 
Gen  ral  Arrherst  arrives  in  America,  .  .  128 
Gent  ~al  Arr  ,erst  and  Wolfe,  capture  St.  Johns  and  Louis- 
burg,  .....  129 
An  attack  uoon  Ticonderoga,  but  failed,  .  .  131 
Fort  Frontf'iac  taken,  ...  133 
Fort  Deque-  e  taken  by  General  Forbes,  .  .  134 
Expedition  _;ainst  Caunda,  .  .  ,  135 
Quebec  taken  by  General  Wolfe,  .  .  138 
Close  of  the  French  and  Indian  War,  .  .  141 

Causes  which  led  to  the  American  Revolution. 

Several  Cargoes  of  Tea  destroyed  in  Boston  harbor,  .            160 

Batt'e  of  Lexington.         ...  164 

Ticonderoga  ^ken  by  the  Americans,  166 

>  Batt'e  of  B-mker's  Hill,                    .                 .  .168 
Washington  :,.-, pointed  commander-in-chiefof  the  American 

forces                          ....  169 

almonth  in    lassachusetts  burnt  by  the  Eno-lish,  171 

An  attempt  -o  storm  Quebec.          .  1 73 

Boston  evacuated  bv  the  British,     .  175 

Admiral  Parker  attempts  the  siege  of  Charleston,  176 


454  CONTENTS. 

Declaration  of  Independence,        .  177 

Preamble,         .               .               .  .               -179 

New- York  taken  by  the  British,  183 

Danbury  destroyed,       K                .  .                .            136 

Carleton's  Battle                               .  .                .            187 

Battle  at  Bennington,               .,  .                .            189 

Battle  of  Saratoga,  .    ptti;Fe  of  Burgoyne,  .                .            191 

Battle  of  Brandy  wiD< ,                  v     .  .                 .             192 

Capture  of  Philadelphia,                   .  .                .193 

Philadelphia  eva'cuared  by  the  English,  194 

Battle  at  Monmouth.                        .  ib. 

Cruelties  of  Wyomi?,>r,                    .  .            '    .            198 

Expedition  of  Capt.  Ferguson,         .  200 

Expedition  ofColont-  Campbell,     .  .                 .201 

Georgia  occupied  by  the  English,  .                 .            202 

General  movement^  at  the  South,  .                 .            203 

Storm  >ng  of  Stony  Point,                   .  .                 .             204 

Naval  excursion  of  John  Paul  Jones,  .                 .            205 

Proceedings  at  the  South,                 .  .                .            206 

British  government  organized  at  South  Carolina,          .  209 

Count  de  Rocharobpan  arrives  in  America,  .            210 

Movements  of  General  Gates,          .  .                 .211 

Treason  of  Arnold,           .  .                 .            214 

Major  Andre  taken,         .                .  .                             215 

(  ount  de  Grass'*  arrival  with  3,300  troops,  .            217 

Baitle  at  Yorktown,  fall  of  Cornwallis,  .                 .            220 

Address  .delivered  by  vions.  de  Bandole,  .                             222 

Cessation  of  hostilities,                      .  .                 .             224 

Washington's  farewell  orders,           .  .                 .            226 

Evacuation  of  New  York,               .  .                           227 

Parting  scene  be- ween  Washington  and  his  officers,      .              ib. 

Washington  resigns    his  commission  to  Congress,  228 

General  view  of  the  United  States,  .                             230 

Events  and  anecdotes  of  the  Revolution,  .                             230 

Capt.  Asgill,  .              ib. 

Letter  from  Ladv  Asa-ill  to  Count  Vergenns,  2  .4 

Armstrong  — ons;-iracv,                     •  •                 •            236 

Escape  of  Gen.  Wadswor.fh,            .  .                             237 

Adventures  of  Sergeant  Major  Champ,  ,                             239 

Col.  John  White's  Adventure,        .  .                             244 

Gen.  Putnam's  Adventures,            .  .                              245 

Adventures  of  Tol.  John  Crane,      .  .                             246 

Major  General  Thomas  Conway,  duel  with  General  Cal- 

walbler,                     .                .  .                .247 

Frederick  William  Augustus  de  Steuben,  .                            24G   ' 

Captain  Handin,  or  Udang,             .  250 

Mr.  BushnelPs  Torpedo,                   .  .                       v     ib. 

Anecdote  of  General  Prescott,         .  251 

Anecdote  ofa  Biack£more,              .  .                            255 

Heroic  Enterprise  of  Sergeant  Jasper,  25SJ 


CONTENTS.  455 

Adventures  of  the  Baroness  de  Reidesel  and  Lady  Harriet 

Ackland,  .  •  •  .254 

Burgoyne's  Letter,          .  .263 

Of  the  Confederation,  Format  ion,  and  adoption  of  the  present 

Constitution  of  the  United  States,  .  .  264 
General  George  Washington  elected  first  President,  ib. 
Washington's  journey  from  Mount  Vernon  to  New- York, 
An  abstract  of  the  Constitution,  .  .  26G 
President's  tour  through  New-England,  .  .  269 
The  first  Census  completed  in  1791,  271 
A  Treaty  with  the  Creek  Indians,  .  .  ib. 
War  with  the  North- Western  Indians,  .  ib. 
General  St.  Clair's  military  operations,  .  .  27£ 
General  Washington  re  elected  President,  i  792,  272 
Declaration  of  War  by  France  against  Engbnd  and  Hol 
land,  .....  ib. 
Proceedings  of  Congress,  .  .  .  273 
John  Adams  elected  President,  1797,  .  .  ib. 
Difficulties  with  France,  .  .  .  274 
Death  of  General  Washington,  doings  of  the  nation,  Mr. 
Jefferson  chosen  President,  and  Mr.  Burr  Vice  Pres 
ident,  .  ...  276 
Ohio  admitted  into  the  Union  in  1803,  .  .  277 
Tripolitan  War,  .  .  .  .  ib. 
Peace  with  Tripoli,  .  .  .  27S 
Mr.  Jefferson  re-elected  President,  Mr.  Clinton  Vice  Pres- 

dent,                                           .                                .  ib. 

Mr  Burr's  proceedings,  and  trial,                                   .  ib. 

Difficulties  on  the  Ooean,                  .                 .                 .  279 
James  Madison  elected   President,  Mr.  Clinton  re-elected 

Vice  President,  1809,                .                 .                 .  280 

War  declared  against  Great  Britain,             .                .  281 

Detroit  taken,                     .                .                .                .  ib. 

Naval  proceedings,           ....  284 
Mr.  Madison  re-elected  President,  and  George  Clinton  Vice 

President.  1813.         ....  288 

Frontier  War  continued,                      .             .                 .  288 

Skirmishes  on  the  Sea  coast,             .                 .                 .  291 

Commodore  Porter's  cruise              .                .                .  295 

A  short  sketch  of  the  capture  of  Washington,                ,  299 
Success  at  the  West,                         .                                 .300 

Perrv'.s  Victory,                 ....  305 

Western  War  continued,                 .                .                 .  306 

•Commodore  Chauncey's  cruise,                       .                .  316 

Fort  Mims  taken  and  the  garrison  murdered,                .  321^ 

War  with  the  InHians  at  the  West,                  .                 .  323 

Saybrook  attacked,  and  the  shipping  destroyed,             .  337 

The  British  attempt  landing  at  Stonington,                    .  339 

Naval  incidents.                                  .                 .                .  340 

Operations  of  the  Army  on  the  Frontier,       .  349 
Destruction  uf  the  capital,                .                .                .361 


456 


CONTENTS. 


The  British  attack  Baltimore,  death  of  Gen.  Ross, 

Macdonough's  Victory, 

Hartford  Convention, 

The  Creek  War  renewed, 

Gen.  Jackson  takes  Pensacola, 

Preparation  for  the  defence  of  JXew-Orleaas, 

Jackson's  Victory, 

Peace  with  Great  Britain, 

General  view  of  the  United  States, 

View  of  the  Western  States, 

Mr.  Adams'  Letter, 

Estimate  of  the  population, 

President  Monroe's  Administration, 

Mississippi  admitted  into  the  Union, 

War  with  the  Seminole  Indians, 

Arkansas  admitted  into  the  Union, 

Monroe  re-elected  President, 

Lafayette's  landing  at  New-York — his  tour, 

Lafayett's  departure  for  France,  , 

John  Quincy  Adams  elected  President, 

The  parting  scene  of  La  Fayette, 

Doings  in  Congress, 

Death  of  Adams  and  Jefferson, 

Treaty  with  Me  Intosh, 

Doings  of  Congress,         .  .  , 

Remarks  upon  Part  ThireL  . 


JU7 
372 
374 
375 
376 
377 
381 
384 
ib. 
387 
392 
398 
401 
402 
403 
-•'  406 
ib. 
411 
416 
417 
420 
426 
429 
430 
438 
442 


JJeamoi  .-»u«.n»  ~ — 
Treaty  with  Mclntosh, 
Dbings  of  Congress,         • 
Remarks  upon  Part  Third. 


' 


04032 


541 160 


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